Japan’s Revised Energy Plan Drops Nuclear Dependency Reduction, Aims for 20% Nuclear Power by 2040, Restarting 30 Reactors in FY 2024

Dec 17, 2024, 04:05 AM

The Japanese government has unveiled a draft of its revised energy strategy, signaling a significant shift towards the expansion of nuclear power. This new plan removes the previous commitment to reduce dependency on nuclear energy, a policy that had been in place since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The revised energy basic plan, set to be approved by the Cabinet within the fiscal year 2024, emphasizes maximizing the use of both nuclear power and renewable energy sources. The government aims to maintain nuclear power's contribution to the energy mix at approximately 20% by 2040, aligning with earlier projections. This decision comes amid internal party dynamics, particularly with the Komeito party, which has historically advocated for a reduction in nuclear reliance. The new approach reflects a broader policy shift towards decarbonization, with plans to restart around 30 existing reactors.