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.

Share:

Nucléaire Japon 2040

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.

Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.
Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe is asking the European Commission to review its $49bn investment to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant, a step required under the Euratom Treaty before any construction permit can be issued.
The International Atomic Energy Agency mission completed on July 11 warns that the National Nuclear Safety Administration must hire staff to oversee a fleet of 59 reactors in operation and 32 more under construction.
Energoatom signed strategic agreements with Westinghouse and Holtec at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, aiming to establish nuclear fuel production and small modular reactor capabilities in the country.
Tehran agrees to reopen its nuclear facilities to the IAEA, aiming to resume negotiations with Washington, while Moscow pushes for a “zero enrichment” agreement without getting involved in supervision.
TerraPower has selected three new American suppliers for its advanced Natrium nuclear reactor, confirming progress on the project located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, intended to replace a retiring coal-fired power plant.
Energy Exploration Technologies acquires Daytona Lithium, an Australian subsidiary of Pantera Lithium, for AUD40mn ($27mn), bringing its strategic lithium basin footprint in Smackover, USA to nearly 50,000 acres.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has identified no major barriers to licensing the ARC-100 reactor, announces ARC Clean Technology.
SE Ignalina, the Lithuanian nuclear operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Newcleo to explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology in Lithuania.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi oversaw the signing of new agreements for the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, thus strengthening the strategic cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
Vistra Corp receives green light to extend Perry nuclear plant operations in Ohio by 20 years, securing regional electricity supply until 2046 and ensuring operational continuity for all its nuclear reactors in the United States.
EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project in the UK, a €1.3 billion investment announced during Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to London, confirming the strategic nuclear energy alignment between the two countries.
The French Cigéo project, designed to bury the most hazardous radioactive waste deep underground, obtains a crucial technical validation before its final authorization, expected by the end of 2027.
EDF confirms the continuation of its industrial project in Fessenheim for recycling very low-level radioactive metals, a first in France requiring specific regulatory authorizations, following a public debate concluded last February.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. formalizes its collaboration with UrAmerica Ltd. to strengthen Argentina’s uranium supply, aiming to secure future nuclear fuel supply chains for the U.S. market.
American companies SHINE Technologies and Standard Nuclear partner to recycle uranium and plutonium, supplying advanced fuel to the nuclear reactor sector and enhancing the national energy security of the United States.