Japan plans to rebuild between two and five ageing nuclear reactors by the 2040s and as many as 11 to 14 by the 2050s as it aims to secure stable power supply, public broadcaster NHK reported.
The proposal, to be outlined by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry at a meeting on nuclear policy, reflects a shift towards greater reliance on atomic energy to help meet rising power demand and reduce costly fuel imports.
Japan shut its 54 operating nuclear reactors after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, due to public fear about the industry’s safety standards. Of the 33 units that remain operable, 15 have been restarted.
Tokyo last year revised its basic energy policy to maximise the use of nuclear power. However, many reactors are approaching or exceeding their 60-year operational lifespans, raising concerns about a future decline in nuclear capacity even if restarts of idled plants continue.
By setting concrete replacement targets, the government aims to improve predictability for utilities, NHK said.
The moves also come as demand for electricity is expected to rise sharply, driven by data centres for AI.
Under the current energy plan, Japan aims to raise the share of nuclear power in its electricity mix to around 20 per cent by fiscal 2040, up from 9.4 per cent in fiscal 2024.
The draft policy is scheduled to be discussed on Friday before a formal adoption at a ministerial meeting later this year, NHK said.
