Japan Targets 73% Emissions Cut by 2040, Boosts Renewables and Nuclear

Japan aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 73% from 2013 levels by 2040, exceeding its previous 46% reduction target for 2030. The new energy plan targets 40-50% renewables and 20% nuclear energy by 2040, shifting from a nuclear phaseout post-Fukushima. Currently, nuclear provides 8.5% of Japan's power, with 13 reactors online. The plan prioritizes renewables and next-gen energy sources, while reducing coal-fired power from nearly 70% to 30-40%. Achieving the nuclear target requires restarting almost all 33 operable reactors. The IAEA chief visited the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant to assess safety for reactor restarts.