Japan approves a law to allow nuclear power plants to operate beyond 60 years
The Japanese cabinet has approved legislation which will allow commercial nuclear power plants to operate longer as part of plans for a nuclear power comeback to tackle greenhouse gas emissions and energy security concerns.
Japan will introduce a new system to grant additional operating extensions every ten years after thirty years of service
In December 2022, Japan adopted a new energy policy promoting greater use of nuclear power as it seeks to ensure a stable power supply amid global fuel shortages and to reduce carbon emissions.
The government adopted a plan to maximize the use of nuclear energy, including accelerating restarts of halted reactors, prolonging the operational life of aging plants and development of next-generation reactors to replace those designated for decommissioning.
Japan has adopted a new energy policy promoting greater use of nuclear power to ensure a stable supply and reduce carbon emissions
Before Fukushima-Daiichi, Japan’s fleet of 54 nuclear plants generated about 30% of the country’s electricity. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency that figure was 7.2% in 2021.
Anti-nuclear sentiment and safety concerns increased in Japan after Fukushima and restart approvals under stricter safety standards have been slow.
According to the Tokyo-based Japan Atomic Industrial Forum, operators have applied for restarts at 27 reactors in the past decade. Seventeen have passed safety checks and only 10 have resumed operations.
Source: NucNet
