finance
Japan Announces Plans to Build Up to 14 New Nuclear Reactors by 2050 to Meet Projected Power Shortfall
Japan's economy ministry outlined plans to replace up to a dozen reactors by 2050. Two to five would be rebuilt by the 2040s, adding as much as 16 GW of capacity.
Jun 5, 2:35 AM·1m read1 source
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Japan's economy ministry announced long-term plans to replace up to a dozen nuclear reactors by 2050. Two to five of the replacements are scheduled for completion by the 2040s. The proposal envisions 11 to 14 reactors operating by 2050, which would add 16 GW to national generation capacity if all are built.
The ministry said the plans aim to secure electricity supply. Japan currently generates 60% to 70% of its electricity from imported hydrocarbons. The Strait of Hormuz crisis and LNG price volatility prompted reconsideration of the post-Fukushima nuclear policy.
Following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, Japan closed all its nuclear reactors and shifted toward other generation sources. The Takae Sanaichi government now targets 20% of electricity from nuclear power in fiscal year 2040. Repairing existing reactors alone would not meet projected demand.
5 million kW in 2040. That figure equals the output of five nuclear reactors. At present, 24 reactors are undergoing decommissioning.
Kyodo News reported that nuclear plant construction costs have risen, raising questions about whether all planned units will be completed. com reported the ministry's announcement and the Reuters-cited capacity figures.
