Japan has announced its intention to develop and build next-generation nuclear power plants in a major shift from the country's post-Fukushima disaster policy of refraining from the construction of new nuclear plants. The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has compiled a draft on the construction of new plants, with plans to start commercial operation during the 2030 decade.
In addition, the Japanese administration aims to secure electric power in the medium to long term with a plan to restart up to 17 nuclear power plants beginning in the summer of 2023 in a bid to help Japan reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Japan will also seek to extend the operating period of existing nuclear plants beyond 60 years. The current law stipulates a 40 to 60 year of operating life, after which reactors are decommissioned. The country has set a target for nuclear power generation to account for 20% to 22% of its electricity supply in 2030.
In July 2022, the Japanese government already expressed its intention to restart 4 nuclear reactors before the end of the year, in addition to the 5 units that are already operational, in order to avoid potential power shortages in the winter.
Japan’s reliance on nuclear power was reduced following the Fukushima accident, dropping from 25% of the power mix in 2010 to 1% in 2015, and back to 4% in 2020 (estimated share of 10% in 2021). Before the accident, there were 54 reactors spread over 17 power plants.
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