Nuclear policy draft indicates shift in Japan’s energy policy

THE Japanese government has concluded that nuclear power generation is necessary to achieve a stable electricity supply and a decarbonised society in the long term, according to a draft of the nation’s new nuclear policy.

The current policy states that Japan “will reduce its dependence on nuclear power as much as possible”. That policy has shifted, according to the draft presented by the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry on Monday. The new policy would effectively allow nuclear power plants to operate beyond the current limit of 60 years and would allow development of next-generation nuclear power plants. To strengthen the development of such plants, the draft calls for establishing a “control tower” comprising the government, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency and companies.

Next-generation nuclear generators are likely to be “light-water” reactors with improved safety and high-temperature gas reactors that can also produce hydrogen with the heat generated during power generation.

At the committee meeting, Kyoto University’s Prof Ken Nakajima demanded “a careful explanation regarding whether the draft is consistent with the policy of reducing ‘dependence on nuclear energy as much as possible’”. However, a senior ministry official said the draft is “realistic and restrained” out of consideration for persistent public opposition to nuclear power. The government’s nuclear policy has maintained a cautious stance since the 2011 accident at the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant.

However, the proposed policy effectively allows facilities to operate for more than 60 years, as the next-generation replacements of plants scheduled for decommissioning will not be completed until the 2030s at the earliest. The policy is also aimed at making it easier for electric power companies to invest in nuclear power projects.

Repeated energy crunches over summer and winter have made it necessary to secure a stable power supply, prompting the policy shift. There have also been calls to use nuclear power to help realise a decarbonised society.

Thermal power generation accounted for 70% of domestic electricity generation in fiscal 2021. As an energy source that does not emit carbon dioxide, nuclear power generation is likely to expand going forward.