Nuclear power resumes in Japan, 14 years following the Fukushima disaster.

Nuclear power resumes in Japan, 14 years following the Fukushima disaster.

Japan is embarking on a new chapter in its nuclear energy strategy, with a focus on small modular reactors (SMRs) as a key component to meet growing energy demands and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

The government's plans involve restarting existing operable reactors and developing next-generation nuclear technologies, including SMRs. While specific SMR deployment projects in Japan have yet to be detailed, the country's regulatory authority recently approved extending the operation of the aging Takahama nuclear power plant beyond 50 years, indicating confidence in extending nuclear lifecycles amid decarbonization goals.

Globally, SMR deployment momentum is growing, with countries like Canada approving SMR construction targeting completion by the end of the decade. Japan is exploring similar advanced reactor designs but is currently more focused on regulatory approvals and operational safety for existing plants.

Japan views nuclear power as crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring energy security in the resource-poor nation. The 2050 carbon neutrality target drives the push to restart plants and incorporate innovative nuclear solutions like SMRs, which promise modularity, lower upfront costs, and flexibility in power generation.

However, the regulatory authority maintains stringent safety standards and transparency, essential for gaining public trust and mitigating opposition. Public engagement and transparent decision-making are recognized as critical components for supporting nuclear expansion, including SMRs. Local community concerns continue to influence the pace and scale of nuclear projects in Japan, despite the approval to operate reactors beyond 50 years.

The Japanese government views funding projects overseas as vital to maintain supply chain expertise in competition with Russia and China. This strategy is partly due to soaring gas prices caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as Japan is the second biggest importer of the fossil fuel.

The Fukushima nuclear accident led to a significant reduction in the use of nuclear power in Japan, falling from 30% to almost nothing. However, there is a general consensus that nuclear energy will be relied upon in Japan's future energy mix. To date, Japan has reopened 14 out of 54 nuclear reactors that were closed following the Fukushima disaster.

In conclusion, Japan is advancing its nuclear strategy by restarting existing reactors and exploring SMRs as a future solution aligned with its energy security and carbon neutrality goals. While concrete SMR deployment projects and timelines remain under development, Japan’s regulatory and industrial environment is preparing for their potential introduction in the coming decade, amid ongoing challenges of public acceptance and regulatory scrutiny.

1. In pursuit of its carbon neutrality goal by 2050, Japan is focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs) as a significant part of its new nuclear energy strategy to cater to growing energy demands.
2. The government's plans for nuclear energy strategy encompass restarting existing operable reactors and developing cutting-edge nuclear technologies, such as SMRs.
3. As nations worldwide, including Canada, approve SMR construction projects, Japan is looking into similar advanced reactor designs but primarily focuses on regulatory approvals and ensuring operational safety for existing plants.
4. The administration of SMRs promises modularity, reduced upfront costs, and versatility in power generation, which align with Japan's goal of combining nuclear power with energy security and carbon neutrality.
5. Japan's regulatory authority upholds stringent safety standards and transparency to earn public trust and minimize opposition while facilitating transparent decision-making for nuclear expansion initiatives like SMRs.
6. In order to maintain supply chain expertise and stay competitive against nations like Russia and China, the Japanese government views forging projects overseas as essential, given the soaring gas prices resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, making Japan the second-biggest importer of the fossil fuel.

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