popular articles

Japan relies on nuclear power for energy security in 2040

Faced with geopolitical risks and growing demand for electricity, Japan plans to increase its reliance on nuclear power in its next energy policy update scheduled for 2024.
Nucléaire Japon 2040

Please share:

Japan is gearing up to promote nuclear power as part of its energy policy review scheduled for next year. The aim is to guarantee a stable electricity supply in the face of growing demand and increased geopolitical risks. However, industry experts believe that the country will find it difficult to meet its targets.

A strategic shift to nuclear power

After the Fukushima disaster in 2011, Japan had significantly reduced its reliance on nuclear power and increased the use of fossil fuels to generate 70% of its electricity, while aiming for zero net carbon emissions by 2050. But faced with spikes in coal and gas prices and supply disruptions in 2022 due to Russia’s war in Ukraine, the government is now keen to ensure greater use of nuclear power, as well as wind and solar power, to secure a stable energy supply. Discussions on Japan’s energy policy, which is reviewed every three years, began last month. This is the first revision since Prime Minister Fumio Kishida changed the country’s position in favor of nuclear power in 2022. According to Takeo Kikkawa, President of the International University of Japan, the new policy could include the construction of new reactors.

Challenges to overcome

Meeting the growing demand for electricity with nuclear power will be a challenge, due to regulatory hurdles, public opposition, high costs, severe earthquakes and long development lead times. The country risks missing its target of 20-22% nuclear power by 2030, reaching only 15% due to resistance from local residents and slow regulatory approvals for the restart of existing reactors. Adding new nuclear capacity could prove difficult even by 2050, given that in the past it has taken decades to build nuclear power plants. According to WoodMac’s Kikkawa and Alex Whitworth, thermal power is likely to fill the supply gap, contrary to the government’s target of reducing coal and LNG generation to a combined total of 39% by 2030.

Towards a decarbonization strategy

In parallel with the review of its energy policy, Japan plans to set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 2035 or later, and to formulate a decarbonization strategy for 2040 by early 2024. Accelerating the growth of renewable energies and reducing fossil fuel production will help to achieve these objectives and bring prices down. Yukari Takamura, professor at the University of Tokyo’s Institute for Future Initiatives and member of the government’s energy policy panel, believes that Japan should draw up a roadmap on how to phase out uncontrolled coal-fired power plants. Promoting domestic energy production from renewable energies is in the national interest and would improve the competitiveness of Japanese companies assessed on decarbonization factors.
Japan faces a major challenge in reconciling its growing energy needs with its decarbonization ambitions. While nuclear power may seem an attractive solution for guaranteeing energy security and reducing emissions, there are many obstacles to its large-scale implementation. The country will need to strike a balance between different energy sources and technologies if it is to make a success of its energy transition.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Halden Kjernekraft is studying the construction of a 1200 MWe nuclear power plant based on small modular reactors (SMR). This project could reshape Norway’s energy landscape.
New U.S. tax rules now allow some existing nuclear power plants to qualify for hydrogen production tax credits, targeting 200 MW per reactor at risk of closure and boosting regional projects.
New U.S. tax rules now allow some existing nuclear power plants to qualify for hydrogen production tax credits, targeting 200 MW per reactor at risk of closure and boosting regional projects.
The NRC extends the license of the Monticello nuclear plant until 2050, confirming its strategic capacity of 671 MWe. This decision aligns with the United States' strict and sustainable energy policy.
The NRC extends the license of the Monticello nuclear plant until 2050, confirming its strategic capacity of 671 MWe. This decision aligns with the United States' strict and sustainable energy policy.
The Koeberg nuclear power plant, operated by Eskom in South Africa, resumes activity with Unit 2, adding 930 MW to the national grid after a prolonged strategic maintenance program.
The Koeberg nuclear power plant, operated by Eskom in South Africa, resumes activity with Unit 2, adding 930 MW to the national grid after a prolonged strategic maintenance program.
The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) restructures the French nuclear sector by integrating 2,000 employees. This reform, at the heart of political and economic challenges, raises questions about governance and transparency.
In 2024, France achieved an unprecedented net electricity export level of 89 TWh, driven by a restored nuclear production and strengthened renewable performance.
In 2024, France achieved an unprecedented net electricity export level of 89 TWh, driven by a restored nuclear production and strengthened renewable performance.
The merger of IRSN and ASN into the new ASNR raises concerns about expertise independence and a budget impasse expected as early as February 2025, according to unions.
The merger of IRSN and ASN into the new ASNR raises concerns about expertise independence and a budget impasse expected as early as February 2025, according to unions.
After years of focusing on renewable energy, the European Union is channeling resources into developing small modular reactors (SMRs) and strengthening its nuclear infrastructure.
After years of focusing on renewable energy, the European Union is channeling resources into developing small modular reactors (SMRs) and strengthening its nuclear infrastructure.
Mongolia and Orano have reached a preliminary agreement for the exploitation of a strategic uranium mine, a $1.6 billion investment that could place the country among the world’s top 10 uranium resource holders.
NuScale Power appoints Diana J. Walters to its board of directors. With over 35 years of experience, she will strengthen governance as the company secures $227.7 million through a strategic warrant buyback.
NuScale Power appoints Diana J. Walters to its board of directors. With over 35 years of experience, she will strengthen governance as the company secures $227.7 million through a strategic warrant buyback.
NANO Nuclear Energy acquires MMR and Pylon reactors during an auction within the bankruptcy of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation for $8.5 million.
NANO Nuclear Energy acquires MMR and Pylon reactors during an auction within the bankruptcy of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation for $8.5 million.
A government report recommends ending Sweden's ban on uranium extraction, paving the way for exploitation under the Minerals Act by 2026.
A government report recommends ending Sweden's ban on uranium extraction, paving the way for exploitation under the Minerals Act by 2026.
Fourteen international experts evaluated Ghana's nuclear regulatory framework, highlighting significant progress while identifying major structural challenges to ensure sustainable safety.
The EPR of Flamanville symbolizes the challenges of French nuclear energy: delays, cost overruns, and loss of expertise. As the future shifts toward EPR2, the revival of this strategic sector remains fraught with uncertainties.
The EPR of Flamanville symbolizes the challenges of French nuclear energy: delays, cost overruns, and loss of expertise. As the future shifts toward EPR2, the revival of this strategic sector remains fraught with uncertainties.
Argentine President Javier Milei has unveiled plans to build a modular nuclear reactor to address a 9% increase in energy demand in 2024, largely driven by the rise of artificial intelligence.
Argentine President Javier Milei has unveiled plans to build a modular nuclear reactor to address a 9% increase in energy demand in 2024, largely driven by the rise of artificial intelligence.
The Swiss government proposes lifting the ban on new nuclear power plants to offset the imminent loss of 29% of electricity supplied by aging reactors.
The Swiss government proposes lifting the ban on new nuclear power plants to offset the imminent loss of 29% of electricity supplied by aging reactors.
HD Hyundai and TerraPower collaborate on the Natrium project, a 345 MW nuclear reactor planned in Wyoming by 2030. This project represents a major step forward in the modular reactor sector to enhance the global energy transition.
MAIRE S.p.A. and newcleo Holding launch Italy's first nuclear project under the Meloni government, featuring a 200 MWe advanced modular reactor.
MAIRE S.p.A. and newcleo Holding launch Italy's first nuclear project under the Meloni government, featuring a 200 MWe advanced modular reactor.
Driven by favorable public policies and growing energy demand, the global nuclear energy market is projected to reach USD 44.71 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 2.9%. Major powers are intensifying investments in the sector.
Driven by favorable public policies and growing energy demand, the global nuclear energy market is projected to reach USD 44.71 billion by 2029, with an annual growth rate of 2.9%. Major powers are intensifying investments in the sector.
Two American grants will finance studies on radioactive waste management and modular nuclear reactors in Bulgaria, strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting the country's energy objectives.
Two American grants will finance studies on radioactive waste management and modular nuclear reactors in Bulgaria, strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting the country's energy objectives.
Westinghouse and Aecon announce partnerships to develop AP1000 reactors in Canada, with an economic impact estimated at 20 billion CAD and thousands of jobs at stake.
EPH, a Czech group owned by Daniel Kretinsky, acquires a majority stake in Slovenske Elektrarne for 150 million euros, consolidating its presence in the European nuclear energy market.
EPH, a Czech group owned by Daniel Kretinsky, acquires a majority stake in Slovenske Elektrarne for 150 million euros, consolidating its presence in the European nuclear energy market.
Three associations withdrew from the public debate on the recycling of low-level radioactive metals in Fessenheim, citing a biased and unbalanced process.
Three associations withdrew from the public debate on the recycling of low-level radioactive metals in Fessenheim, citing a biased and unbalanced process.
The European Commission opens an investigation into Poland's public support for its first nuclear project, estimated at €45 billion, to ensure compliance with electricity market competition rules.
The European Commission opens an investigation into Poland's public support for its first nuclear project, estimated at €45 billion, to ensure compliance with electricity market competition rules.

Advertising