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Reactor restarts boost Japan’s nuclear output

Japan’s nuclear output is rising as more reactors return to service, putting pressure on the country’s gas demand and LNG imports Japan’s nuclear output is rising as more reactors return to service, putting pressure on the country’s gas demand and LNG imports.
By Catriona Scott 6 September 2018 0 32455
Tepco's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant. (Tepco)

Directional impact on forecast:
Bearish for LNG spot prices

Japan’s gas demand and LNG imports have already been weak this year, and the trend looks set to be exacerbated by increased nuclear output.

Two reactors that have been offline for routine maintenance over recent months returned to operations in late August and early September. Sendai 2 came back into service at the end of August, while Takahama 4 resumed initial operations on Monday and was fully operational by Thursday.

Of Japan’s other operational reactors, Takahama...