Japan to prioritize nuclear energy amid rising electricity demand

Japan’s economy minister Yoji Muto intends to expand plans to use existing nuclear power plants as AI and data centers drive higher electricity demand, Bloomberg reports. Balancing nuclear and renewable energy is essential for meeting energy needs while reducing carbon emissions, the government intends to restart reactors as long as safety is ensured, continuing the work of former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Japan will also begin developing next-generation reactors to protect its atomic industry.

A critical juncture: The country is currently revising its strategic energy plan to revise its energy mix beyond 2030. Japan currently relies on fossil fuels including natgas and coal to supply 70% of its energy needs.