Tokyo, Japan - Japan's government, on Tuesday, adopted new decarbonization targets, aiming for over a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2013 levels within 15 years. This initiative is supported by a revised energy plan designed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
The plan targets a 60% emissions reduction by 2035 and 73% by 2040, surpassing the previous 46% reduction target for 2030.
Renewables are slated to meet 40-50% of electricity needs by 2040, up from nearly 23%.
Nuclear power is planned to constitute 20% of Japan's energy supply by 2040. Currently, only 13 reactors are online, contributing to 8.5% of the power supply.
Coal-fired power is set to decrease from nearly 70% to 30-40%.
The plan includes restarting reactors meeting post-Fukushima safety standards and constructing next-generation reactors at decommissioned plant sites.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visited the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant to ensure safety for the potential restart of two reactors.