Nuclear restart in Japan’s Hokkaido could lure chipmakers, data centers

Energy

Lower electricity rates could benefit northern region similarly to ‘Silicon Island’ Kyushu

The restart of the Tomari nuclear plant will help ease Hokkaido’s reliance on expensive fossil fuel-based thermal power generation. © Kyodo

MASATOSHI IDA

December 11, 2025 07:30 JST

TOKYO — Japan’s Hokkaido Electric Power is on track to restart a reactor at its Tomari nuclear plant, a move expected to boost the northern region’s appeal to industry much as the southern island of Kyushu has attracted chipmakers and data centers with cheap energy.