Japan to adopt new techniques to boost nuclear and renewables by 2040
Japan’s government adopted new decarbonisation targets aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 27% in the next 15 years, since 2013, approving renewable energy plan. The country targets to meet carbon neutrality by 2050.
Under their plan of action, adopted by the cabinet, Japan aims to reduce their carbon emissions by 60% from 2013 levels by 2035 and reach a 73% reduction by 2040. Previously, the country had set a target of reducing emissions by 46% by 2030.
The goals are listed under the Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC, under the Paris Agreement to be submitted to the United Nations.
Japan’s 2035 target faced criticism from the environmental groups for falling 6 points short of the reduction required to keep global temperature rise within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as per the Paris Agreement, set amid ongoing challenges in reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.
Japan has unveiled a new climate plan, replacing its 2021 strategy with a focus on expanding renewable energy to supply up to half of the country’s electricity by 2040 while maximizing nuclear power to meet rising demand driven by AI advancements. The plan officially marks an end to Japan’s nuclear phaseout policy, introduced after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which led to mass displacement and long-standing public opposition to nuclear energy.
The energy plan is expected to focus on renewables as the main power source and calls for the development of next-generation energy sources, such as solar batteries and portable solar panels.
Achieving the 20% target remains challenging due to the slow and cautious screening process by nuclear regulators, along with ongoing safety concerns and opposition from neighbouring communities. To meet this goal, nearly all 33 operable reactors must be restarted, according to the report. In 2023, nuclear energy contributed only 8.5% of Japan’s power supply, with just 13 reactors currently in operation.
The Japanese government is advocating for reactor restarts as part of its energy and climate strategy. A restart is also expected to provide financial relief for Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, which continues to struggle with the enormous costs of decommissioning the damaged Fukushima Daiichi plant. However, the restart is uncertain due to the safety concerns causing to residents in town that hosts the plant.