Japan Formally Approves Major Nuclear Power Expansion, Aims to Restart 17 Reactors by 2030

In a major policy shift 14 years after Fukushima, Tokyo prioritizes energy security.

Japan's government has officially approved a new energy strategy that paves the way for restarting up to 17 nuclear reactors by 2030 and developing next-generation reactors. The decision, finalized in a cabinet meeting on December 22, 2025, marks a definitive pivot away from the cautious, phase-out approach adopted after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

The government frames the move as a necessary response to secure the nation's energy supply amid volatile global markets and to meet its 2050 carbon neutrality commitments. "This is a pivotal decision for Japan's energy security and our commitment to decarbonization," said METI Minister Ken Saito. "We will proceed with the utmost priority on safety, learning the lessons from the past."

A Nation Still Divided

Despite the government's push, public opinion remains deeply divided. A recent poll by Kyodo News found that 58% of the public is still opposed to or wary of restarting nuclear reactors, a testament to the lasting trauma of the Fukushima catastrophe.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups. Greenpeace Japan called it a "dangerous step backward," urging the government to accelerate investment in renewables like offshore wind. In contrast, the business community, represented by the powerful Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), has welcomed the policy, arguing it's essential for stable electricity prices and industrial competitiveness.

"This isn't just about kilowatts; it's a strategic realignment. By securing a stable baseload power source, Japan is fortifying its industrial backbone—from semiconductors to EVs—and seeking greater strategic autonomy in an increasingly unpredictable world."

Officials stress that all restarts are contingent upon passing the independent and rigorous safety reviews of the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA). However, with significant hurdles remaining, including securing local consent and addressing the perennial issue of spent nuclear fuel, the path to a nuclear renaissance in Japan is far from guaranteed.