The Japanese government on Tuesday adopted a new decarbonisation target, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70% from the 2013 levels. The target set by the government for the next 15 years is part of an updated climate plan that is expected to help the country achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Under the new climate plan adopted by the Japanese cabinet, carbon emissions will be reduced by 60% from the 2013 level and by 73% by 2040. Japan previously set the same target at 46% by 2030.
The new goals are recognised as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the temperature increase to 1.5% above pre-industrial levels
The New Plan
The plan will replace the current version set in 2021 by pushing renewables up to half of electricity needs by 2040 while maximising the use of nuclear power to accommodate the growing power demand in the new age of AI.
These goals will also mark an end to Japan’s nuclear energy payout policy adopted after the 2011 meltdown crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant. The incident led to extensive displacement of residents and incited anti-nuclear sentiments in Japanese citizens.
Given the slow and cautious space of screening by the nuclear regulators and persistent safety concerns along with opposition from the residents in the neighbouring community, the prospects of bringing nuclear energy seem difficult.
The government is now pushing for a restart under its energy and climate plans. While this restart would also help improve business for the plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company holdings. The company is struggling with the massive cost of the Fukushima Daiichi plant crisis. The restart is uncertain because of safety concerns among the residents in the adjoining areas.
Nuclear energy accounted for just 8.5% of Japan’s power supply in 2023 with only 13 reactors online at present.
