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, citing a draft policy presented on 5 June.
The proposal, outlined by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (Meti) at a meeting on nuclear policy, reflects a shift towards greater reliance on nuclear energy to help meet rising power demand and reduce costly fuel imports.
It is the first official numerical target for reactor replacement released since the March 2011 accident at the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant owned and operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company.
By setting a concrete goal, the ministry will make it easier to secure human resources in the nuclear power industry, a statement said.
Meti said it plans to rebuild an additional nine reactors by the 2050s, bringing the total number of reactors subject to replacement to 11-14.
The government’s latest energy plan, adopted in February 2025, calls for nuclear electricity generation to increase from 8.5% in fiscal 2023 to about 20% in fiscal 2040. Renewable energy’s share of electricity production is expected to increase from 22.9% to 40%-50%, with fossil fuels’ share falling from almost 69% to 30%-40%.
Japan has 15 reactor units in commercial operation, while its potential complete fleet has 33 units including 18 units where operations are suspended pending post-Fukushima restart approvals.
The 15 restarted reactors have a combined capacity of 14.6 GW. The restarted units are Onagawa-2, Kashiwazaki Kariwa-6, Mihama-3, Takahama Units 1-4, Ohi Units 3-4, Shimane-2, Ikata-3, Genkai Units 3-4, and Sendai Units 1-2.
Before the Fukushima disaster Japan’s fleet of 54 nuclear plants generated about 30% of the country’s electricity, but were all shut down for safety checks following the accident.
Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi has said she will push for the accelerated revival of nuclear power with reactor restarts key to reducing costly fuel imports.