Electricity Crisis Looms, Japan to Build 14 New Nuclear Reactors
The Japanese government is reportedly planning to replace 14 ageing nuclear reactors during the 2050s, according to reports on Friday (5/6/2026). This initiative is being undertaken by the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ to secure the national energy supply.
This bold step is being taken amidst Tokyo’s increasing efforts to embrace atomic energy, more than 15 years after the devastating Fukushima nuclear disaster caused by an earthquake and tsunami. According to AFP, the plan was reported by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The ministry is reportedly working hard to increase power generation capacity to meet surging demand, particularly for new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, and semiconductor factories.
According to reports from major media outlets, including Kyodo News and the national broadcaster NHK, under the draft plan, the relevant ministry hopes to replace up to five nuclear reactors during the 2040s. In total, there will be approximately 14 reactors by the 2050s.
“This momentum marks the first time the Japanese government has detailed specific targets regarding the replacement of nuclear reactors to the public,” Kyodo News stated.
This strategic plan was presented during a ministerial panel meeting today. Relevant ministers are scheduled to review the draft this coming summer.
Previously, Japan estimated that by the 2040s, the country would face a power shortage of 5.5 million kilowatts. This figure is equivalent to the energy produced by five modern nuclear reactors today.
As a retrospective, Japan halted all nuclear power plant operations following the colossal earthquake and devastating tsunami that triggered the destruction of three reactors at the Fukushima nuclear plant in 2011. However, Tokyo is now fully committed to reviving atomic energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, achieve carbon neutrality targets by 2050, and meet the surging energy needs caused by the expansion of artificial intelligence.