The identities of leading candidates and the conditions for becoming the next president of TEPCO Holdings are emerging as focal points. The succession race is gaining momentum against the backdrop of the successful restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station.
Following the restart of commercial operations at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station, the contest to become the next president of Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. has begun to look increasingly realistic. With the long-serving administration of President Tomoaki Kobayakawa nearing its end, the restart is strengthening its position as TEPCO’s most important management challenge.
TEPCO Holdings estimates that operating one nuclear reactor would improve its annual balance by approximately ¥100 billion, making the successful restart a justification for its business reconstruction, including a capital alliance. A change in president has been discussed repeatedly, but the prevailing view is now that the person who meets the two key conditions required of the successor will become president.
Going forward, the named candidates who meet the “two key conditions” and their rival candidates are expected to be identified specifically, bringing the structure of the contest to succeed Kobayakawa into sharper focus.
This article examines developments inside and outside the organisation centred on the restart of the nuclear power plant, as well as the key issues surrounding the appointment of the next president.