Revitalization of nuclear energy policy for green transformation in Japan

The revitalization of nuclear energy policy in Japan began on August 24, 2022, with Prime Minister Kishida’s address at the second Green Transformation (GX) Executive Meeting. He said, “It is urgent to resolve the present deadlock in energy policy; in order to overcome the current crisis in power supply and demand . . . we will take all possible measures to prepare for unforeseen circumstances. In particular, regarding nuclear power plants (NPPs), the government will take all possible measures to restart the suspended NPPs already licensed for operation.” Kishida emphasized that nuclear power is an indispensable decarbonized energy source for the advancement of the green transformation. The cabinet in February 2023 approved the Basic Policy for the Realization of GX (hereinafter referred to as the GX Basic Policy).