Japan nuclear energy

Nuclear power is a key plank in Japan’s national energy vision, but 14 years after the Fukushima meltdown, the restart process hasn't overcome the central problem.

Since December, civil society protests have marked the Japanese government's drafting of its basic energy and climate action plans.

The yawning gap between vision and policy reality jeopardizes Japan’s important energy security goals and efforts to decarbonize the energy supply.

Nuclear energy may make sense in places where reactors can be operated safely, but Japan is a seismically active archipelago.

Under the government of Kishida Fumio, Japan has sharply changed its thinking on nuclear power.

Of the 54 nuclear reactors Japan used to have, nine have been restarted under tougher post-Fukushima safety standards and four are currently operating.

Japan can – and should – pursue an energy mix that is both carbon-neutral and avoids reliance on nuclear energy.

10 years after Fukushima, nuclear power is still considered a key factor in issues surrounding energy security, global warming, technological expertise, and international security.

Decarbonization usually means boosting renewable energy, but Japan is also looking to push nuclear energy.

Japan's new leader has portrayed the coming shift to green energy as an opportunity rather than a burden.

The latest reshuffle was notable for several reasons, but not least for bringing nuclear power back into the spotlight.

To increase energy self-sufficiency after the 2011 nuclear disaster, renewables are Japan’s only option.