Japan Targets Renewal of 14 Ageing Nuclear Reactors by Mid-Century

Japan plans to replace up to 14 ageing nuclear reactors by the 2050s, local media reported on Friday, signalling a stronger commitment to atomic energy more than 15 years after the Fukushima disaster.

The proposed plan by the industry ministry comes as the country seeks to secure sufficient power supplies to meet rising electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence, data centres and semiconductor manufacturing.

According to reports by major outlets, including Kyodo News and NHK, the ministry aims to replace up to five reactors by the 2040s and around 14 in total by the 2050s.

Kyodo said this would mark the first time the government has set specific targets for replacing nuclear reactors.

The proposal is expected to be presented to an industry ministry panel on Friday, with relevant ministers set to review the draft later this summer.

Japan’s power industry estimates the country could face a power shortage of 5.5 million kilowatts by the 2040s—roughly equivalent to the output of five nuclear reactors.

Following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that triggered meltdowns at three reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant, Japan shut down all of its nuclear facilities.

However, the government has since moved to revive nuclear power as part of efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and meet growing energy demands from emerging technologies.