Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) on June 3 unveiled a proposal to replace used nuclear reactors, outlining specific numerical targets for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.
According to the proposal, Japan will replace 2 to 5 reactors in the 2040s and a total of 11 to 14 by the 2050s. This move reflects the government's push to strengthen the role of nuclear power to ensure national energy security and advance carbon neutrality.
Earlier, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida repeatedly stressed restarting reactors idled after the disaster and encouraging the construction of next-generation reactors. However, these specific targets have now been formally put forward for the first time.
Japan currently has about 33 reactors that could potentially be restarted, but only about one-third have received regulatory approval after new safety checks. The approval process has been slow due to public opposition and stringent post-Fukushima regulations.
METI said replacing outdated reactors—including installing small next-generation ones—is necessary to meet the country’s electricity demand and maintain nuclear energy’s share at 20–22% of total power generation by 2030, as per the existing target.
However, experts and environmental activists remain concerned about safety and nuclear waste disposal. The Japanese government has pledged to consult local communities before any reactor replacement projects proceed.
