The Yomiuri Shimbun
The Japanese government has set a target of rebuilding two to five nuclear reactors by the 2040s, when many nuclear power plants are set to reach the end of their operational time limits.
The aim is to secure a power source that does not rely on fossil fuel imports, thereby ensuring a stable supply of electricity, as well as to help encourage nuclear power operators to invest in and secure personnel.
This marks the first time the government has set specific numerical targets for rebuilding reactors since the 2011 accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
The draft revision of the action guidelines on nuclear energy policy was presented on Friday at a meeting of the nuclear energy subcommittee of the Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy, an advisory body to the economy, trade and industry minister.
The draft revision clearly states the prerequisites for the long-term utilization of nuclear power, and lists targets in six areas, including the acceleration of reactor restarts. Future prospects and a vision for nuclear power generation have been included in the draft revision as a prerequisite common to all six areas.
The target of rebuilding two to five reactors by the 2040s would amount to an installed capacity of 2.2 million to 5.5 million kilowatts. This is equivalent to 20% of the capacity of existing nuclear power plants, not including those scheduled for decommissioning.
Furthermore, the draft outlines a new outlook by the 2050s, specifying a goal of rebuilding nine more reactors for a total of 11 to 14 reactors, with an installed capacity of 12.7 million to 16 million kilowatts.
Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, the government had taken a stance of reducing reliance on nuclear power generation. However, in light of rising electricity demand and other factors, it reversed the policy, stating in the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan approved by the Cabinet in 2025 that nuclear power would account for 20% of the nation's power mix by fiscal 2040. The new draft revision incorporates specific figures based on the energy plan.
The aging of nuclear power plants is progressing. Under the current system, the maximum operating period is set at 60 years. Four reactors -- including the Nos. 1 and 2 reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Takahama nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture -- will pass the 60-year mark by fiscal 2040. Another 11 reactors will reach this time limit by fiscal 2050, resulting in a total reduction in generating capacity of about 14 million kilowatts.
Regarding the rebuilding of nuclear power plants, the operators have told the government that predictability regarding the recovery of investment is essential for them to proceed with the massive capital investment. They have also asked the government to provide forecasts of the necessary generating capacity and number of reactors for each target fiscal year. The draft takes these concerns into account.
The draft explicitly states that in addition to developing next-generation innovative reactors with enhanced safety and power generation efficiency, it is also necessary to proceed with installing them. The draft also includes measures to strengthen research and development frameworks and enhance the funding functions of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization to facilitate the practical application of technologies such as small modular reactors. Preparations for the introduction of such reactors are already underway in China and the United States.
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This article is from The Yomiuri Shimbun. Neither Dow Jones Newswires, MarketWatch, Barron's nor The Wall Street Journal were involved in the creation of this content.
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June 05, 2026 09:37 ET (13:37 GMT)
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