Japan's government has formally adopted a revised energy policy that includes a target of rebuilding two to five nuclear reactors by the 2040s. The decision was made at a meeting of relevant cabinet ministers, according to Jiji Press.
The move represents a significant shift in Japan's nuclear energy stance, which had been cautious since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The government aims to utilize existing reactor sites for replacements, streamlining the approval process.
This policy is part of broader efforts to ensure energy security and meet decarbonization goals. The exact reactors to be rebuilt have not been specified, and the timeline extends to the 2040s.
Critics have raised safety and cost concerns, but the government argues that nuclear power is essential for stable electricity supply and reducing carbon emissions.