Japan could restart 9 nuclear reactors in 2015, 10 in 2016 and 12 in 2017

Japan has four approved nuclear reactors for restarts, just after a general election win showed steady support for the pro-nuclear ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The first are not expected to restart until early in 2015.

Sendai reactors aren’t expected to open until early 2015.

Those friendly painted colors at the Sendai reactors are real

Cantor Fitzgerald forecasts that 32 reactors will ultimately be restarted, with nine in 2015, 10 in 2016, 12 in 2017 and one in 2018.

In a note to investors, Rob Chang talked of the reactor restarts being viewed “as a key market catalyst as some investors remain sceptical on whether it will actually occur.”

David Talbot, with Dundee Capital Markets, largely echoed those thoughts.

“Dundee’s opinion is that these two reactors are part of the ‘friendly thirteen’ reactors that will likely gain local approval based on local support — of the 19 or so that are currently under application for start-up,” he said in a comment to investors.

The reactors will require a month-long consultation process, with both the local and municipal governments needing to give their approval.