Japan’s New Energy Strategy Focuses on Nuclear Power and Renewables to Meet Growing Demand

Japan’s government has unveiled a draft energy policy aimed at addressing the country’s rising electricity demand while balancing environmental goals, PBS News reports.

The proposal, presented by the Industry Ministry and reviewed by a government panel of experts, calls for a dual focus on maximizing nuclear power use and increasing renewable energy sources.

The new plan, which is scheduled for Cabinet approval by March, is designed to guide Japan’s energy policy through 2040. It aims to ensure that nuclear power and renewable energy contribute significantly to the country’s electricity needs, with a target of renewable energy accounting for 40-50% of electricity by 2040. This marks a notable increase from the current 22.9%, and it follows the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

In addition to bolstering renewables, the plan includes a sharp increase in the role of nuclear power, which will rise from 8.5% of Japan’s energy supply last year to 20% by 2040. This shift marks a reversal of Japan’s previous policy following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, which led to widespread public opposition to nuclear energy. The policy aims to achieve a more balanced energy mix, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, which currently account for nearly 70% of Japan’s energy supply.

The proposed energy strategy reflects Japan’s broader objectives of decarbonization and energy security, which are growing in importance as the demand for electricity rises. The expansion of data centers and semiconductor factories—driven in part by the rise of artificial intelligence—has spurred increased demand for low-carbon energy. Industry Minister Yoji Muto emphasized the importance of not over-relying on any single energy source to ensure a secure and sustainable energy future.

“We must strengthen our energy security, and how we secure decarbonized energy is critical for Japan’s future growth,” Muto said.

He stressed that Japan should no longer view renewable energy and nuclear power as competing options but should maximize the use of both.

Japan’s long-term environmental goal is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reduce emissions by 73% by 2040, compared to 2013 levels. As part of this effort, the draft plan includes a focus on the development of next-generation energy technologies such as advanced solar batteries and portable solar panels.

Despite the ambitious goals outlined in the plan, there are concerns about its feasibility. One of the key challenges is the restart of Japan’s nuclear reactors. Only 14 of the country’s 33 reactors are currently operational, and the timeline for meeting the 20% nuclear energy target by 2040 remains uncertain. The nuclear regulatory authority’s ongoing safety checks have slowed the restart process, and experts have expressed skepticism about the pace of progress.

Additionally, the plan does not offer a clear roadmap for the phaseout of fossil fuels or a detailed outlook on the feasibility of reaching these energy targets by 2040. Some critics argue that the proposal lacks sufficient investment in renewable energy infrastructure and cost reduction strategies that would be needed to meet the renewable energy goals.