Japan To Replace Up To 14 Nuclear Reactors

Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

Summary

Japan is looking to replace up to 14 nuclear power reactors in the coming decades as it seeks to strengthen its nuclear energy sector following the major accident at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in 2011. 

New Era for Nuclear Power

Japan wants to make nuclear power a major part of its energy mix again in the future and has revealed plans to build up to 14 new reactors over the coming decades. 

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has announced a preliminary target of replacing between two and five of its older reactors, which are due for decommissioning, by the 2040s and a total of 11 to 14 reactors by the 2050s. Prior to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in March 2011, nuclear power accounted for roughly 30% of the country's power, but by 2013 all of its 54 reactors were shut down.

Since 2015, Japan has restarted 15 out of its 33 operable reactors and wants to reinvest in new reactors to replace older ones that are facing decommissioning. It also needs to reduce a massive over-reliance on energy imports and advance its clean energy transition. Japan currently imports about 90% of its energy requirements. According to Industrial Info Resources data, there are 78 nuclear power-related projects in Japan worth more than US$24 billion in investment. Nine of those are replacement projects. Subscribers to Industrial Info Resources' Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Project Database can click here for the reports. 

The Government Plan

This is the first time since the Fukushima Daiichi accident, caused by a major earthquake and subsequent tsunami, that the government has provided specific details of its nuclear strategy. "Based on certain assumptions, it is estimated that approximately 2.2 million to 5.5 million kilowatts (kW) (approximately two to five reactors) of nuclear power plants will need to be replaced by the 2040s, and approximately 12.7 million kW to 16 million kW (approximately 11 to 14 reactors) will need to be replaced by the 2050s, including the work done in the 2040s," reported WNN on METI's presentation of the proposal to government. "Furthermore, given that a similar pace of decline in installed capacity is expected from the 2060s onward, and that future electricity demand may increase more than anticipated, in order to ensure a stable supply, efforts under this guideline will be promoted with a view to replacing at least this amount of installed capacity." 

The Legacy of Fukushima 

The 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant was classed as the world's worst since the Chernobyl meltdown in 1986 in Soviet-controlled Ukraine. Apart from leading to the complete shutdown of nuclear power in Japan, it had repercussions around the world, leading many major nuclear energy nations, like Germany and Switzerland, to abandon nuclear power, and led to nuclear power restrictions in others. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently called Europe's abandonment of nuclear power "a mistake" that has harmed Europe's clean energy transition. For additional information, see March 23, 2026, article - EU Admits Mistake Turning Away from Nuclear Power. 

Since 2015, subsequent Japanese governments have reversed the initial decision to ban all nuclear power, with reactors still capable of operating being brought back online slowly. With a depleted fleet, the country is aiming for nuclear power to supply around 20% of its electricity by 2030 - down from 30% in 2011 - according to the World Nuclear Association. The country's new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi is in favor of restarting idled nuclear power plants. For additional information, see October 22, 2025, article - Japan's New Prime Minister Pushes Nuclear and Energy Security. 

Key Takeaways 

• Japan is planning a major reinvestment in its nuclear power sector.
• Up to 14 nuclear power reactors may be constructed in the coming decades as it seeks to resurrect its nuclear power sector after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident. 
• Industrial Info Resources is tracking 78 nuclear power-related projects in Japan worth more than US$24 billion in investment.

About Industrial Info Resources

Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 Trillion (USD).