A government-commissioned panel of experts in Japan has largely supported the country's new energy policy, which aims to bolster renewables to make up half of electricity needs by 2040. The plan also emphasizes maximizing the use of nuclear power as Japan seeks to accommodate the growing power demand in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets.
The draft plan, presented by the Industry Ministry, is currently under final review by a panel of 16 members from business, academia, and civil groups. The proposal calls for increasing the share of nuclear energy to 20% of Japan's energy supply by 2040, up from 8.5% last year. It also aims to expand renewables to 40-50% from the current 22.9% and reduce coal-fired power to 30-40% from nearly 70% last year.
