Japan Charts a New Energy Future: Nuclear Power and Renewables to Take Center Stage
In a significant departure from its post-2011 Fukushima stance, Japan is embracing a renewed focus on nuclear energy alongside an ambitious expansion of renewable energy. A draft energy plan unveiled by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) outlines the country’s medium- to long-term energy strategy, balancing energy security, decarbonization, and economic growth as it aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Cabinet is expected to approve the plan by February 2025, marking a pivotal shift in Japan’s energy policies.
A Dual Focus on Nuclear and Renewables
The draft plan signals a commitment to maximizing nuclear power, alongside a dramatic increase in renewable energy, to meet growing electricity demands driven by the proliferation of art...