TEPCO resumes operations at quake-hit reactor

The trade ministry gave final approval for the 1,356 megawatt No.7 reactor to restart commercial operations at the world's largest nuclear facility.

The No.7 unit was first restarted on May 9 this year, but commercial operations had been delayed due to an unplanned shutdown and a slew of mishaps.

The delay also came as TEPCO was cautious about operations at the No.7 unit as it was the first of the plant's seven reactors to restart.

The No.7 unit has been continually generating power from early November, but it is only now that it has entered its official commercial phase.

TEPCO expects to shut the reactor in mid-April 2010 for planned maintenance, a company spokesman said.