Japan’s government has adopted a new energy policy that aims to boost renewable energy sources to half of the country’s electricity needs by 2040, while maximizing nuclear power. The plan, which is set to receive Cabinet approval in March, calls for reducing coal-fired power from nearly 70% last year to 30-40%, and increasing nuclear energy to 20% of Japan’s energy supply.
The move comes as the country seeks to accommodate growing electricity demand driven by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor factories. Industry Minister Yoji Muto emphasized the need for a diversified energy mix, saying “How we can secure decarbonized energy determines Japan’s future growth.”
Japan aims to achieve net zero emissions of climate-warming gases by 2050 and has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 73% compared to 2013 levels. The new policy also prioritizes the development of next-generation energy sources, such as solar batteries and portable solar panels.
However, experts have raised concerns about the feasibility of the plan, citing issues with investment and cost reduction in renewables. Additionally, restarting all 33 workable reactors in Japan will be a significant challenge, given that only 14 are currently online after the Fukushima disaster.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/japan-maximize-nuclear-power-clean-energy-push-electricity-117106689