DHAKA: Two reactors at Japan’s Sendai nuclear plant are set to become the first to be restarted since the 2011 meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear facility.

The governor of Japan’s Kagoshima prefecture gave his approval, marking the final hurdle for the restart, which is now likely to happen next year.

Before the accident, caused by a massive quake and tsunami, about 30 percent of Japan’s power was nuclear-generated, reports BBC.

All 48 plants were shut down but PM Shinzo Abe has lobbied for a restart.

Abe’s government has argued that the shutdown has hurt the economy, forcing Japan to import expensive fossil fuels to make up the power shortfall.

Despite public anxiety, earlier this year Abe approved an energy plan backing the use of nuclear power.

Local authorities were given the final say on whether to restart their commercial plants. The plant’s host town, Satsumasendai, had already voted in favor.

The reactors, operated by Kyushu Electric Power, will likely restart next year as further operational checks need to be passed.

In a vote on Friday 38 out of 47 of the Kagoshima’s prefectural assembly backed the restarting of the reactors.

BDST: 1845 HRS, NOV 07, 2014