Japan has opened a new chapter in its energy narrative, boldly embracing nuclear energy as the backbone of its energy strategy. For the first time in over a decade, the government has eliminated the long-held commitment to “reducing reliance” on nuclear power. This decisive policy shift, outlined in Japan’s Sixth Strategic Energy Plan, establishes nuclear power as a cornerstone of the nation’s energy goals. By 2030, nuclear power is expected to supply 20 to 22 percent of Japan’s electricity – an ambitious leap from the current 5.5 percent. Nuclear energy is more than an option; it is the solution to Japan’s energy security, economic growth, and climate challenges.
Progress is already underway. In late 2024, two reactors, Onagawa Unit 2 and Shimane Unit 2, returned to operation after more than a decade offline. These restarts increased the number of operational reactors in Japan to 14, with 11 more moving through the approval process. Together, these milestones reaffirm nuclear power as the backbone of a stable, sustainable energy network capable of supporting Japan’s growing energy demands.
Nuclear energy leads in its ability to deliver reliable, carbon-free electricity at scale. Other energy sources struggle with intermittency and external factors, but nuclear energy provides consistent, around-the-clock power. Japan’s modern economy, driven by industries such as AI development, semiconductor manufacturing, and robotics, depends on this steady, large-scale electricity supply. As Japan works toward its net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2050, nuclear power forms the foundation for achieving energy stability and environmental goals.
The recent restarts at Onagawa and Shimane highlight nuclear energy’s role in meeting these demands. On October 29, 2024, Onagawa Unit 2 in Miyagi Prefecture became the first boiling water reactor (BWR) to restart in Japan since the Fukushima accident. With a capacity of 825 megawatts, it can power approximately 825,000 households annually. Situated in Tohoku, an area devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Onagawa’s revival is a powerful symbol of resilience and progress. Its extensive safety upgrades, a 29-meter tsunami wall, advanced passive cooling systems, and seismic reinforcements, set new standards for safe nuclear operation in disaster-prone regions.
On December 7, 2024, Shimane Unit 2 in western Japan followed, adding another 789 megawatts to the grid; enough to power 780,000 households. Shimane’s restart highlights Japan’s commitment to cutting-edge safety technologies, including advanced containment structures to prevent radioactive leaks and real-time monitoring systems for operational oversight. Together, these plants provide reliable, large-scale energy for homes, industries, and critical infrastructure, cementing nuclear energy as the foundation of Japan’s energy strategy.
While these achievements are significant, there’s still a lot of work to be done. Public trust in nuclear energy takes time, especially for communities near reactors. Questions about safety, waste management, and the long shadow of Fukushima still weigh heavily on people’s minds. What’s clear is that open communication and transparency are essential. People need real answers about how plants are safer today, what’s being done to manage waste long-term, and how the lessons from the past are shaping the future. Restarting reactors is just the beginning, confidence has to grow with every step forward.
Japan is advancing its nuclear sector with a focus on innovation. Investments in small modular reactors (SMRs) and high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) promise even greater safety, efficiency, and flexibility. SMRs, with their modular designs and self-regulating safety features, can be deployed more quickly and cost-effectively than traditional reactors. HTGRs, offering higher energy output and improved fuel efficiency, represent the cutting edge of nuclear innovation. These advancements are not just meeting Japan’s needs but also positioning the country as a global leader in nuclear technology.
Waste management remains a critical challenge. The government is exploring secure storage, reprocessing technologies, and international collaborations to develop long-term solutions. The Nuclear Regulation Authority’s backfit system, which ensures that all reactors meet modern safety standards, continues to demonstrate its effectiveness. The recent approval for Takahama Nuclear Power Station to operate beyond 50 years underscores the success of these rigorous protocols.
Globally, Japan’s approach to nuclear power stands out. While countries like France are increasing their reliance on nuclear energy, others, such as Germany, have phased it out entirely. Japan’s emphasis on safety, innovation, and reliability offers a model for nations grappling with similar energy challenges.
Nuclear energy is the key to Japan’s energy future. By investing in next-generation technologies, maintaining the highest safety standards, and fostering open communication with the public, Japan is charting a path toward a secure and sustainable energy future. The restarts at Onagawa and Shimane are more than technical milestones, they are affirmations of Japan’s resilience and leadership in energy innovation. For nations confronting rising energy demands and the urgency of climate change, Japan’s example shows how progress can power a sustainable tomorrow.
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