The government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's final version of a draft energy report reinforces the role of nuclear power in the country's future, but falls short of setting specific goals for renewable energy use.
The policy describes nuclear power as "an important base-load energy source," according to a 78-page draft obtained by Bloomberg News. The plan, the first update to the nation's energy policy since the 2011 Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant crisis started, is expected to be approved as early as Friday, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato has said.
The plan represents a compromise for coalition partner New Komeito, which had pushed for the inclusion of specific targets for renewable energy. The party pledged during the 2012 election campaign that clean energy would provide 30 percent of the nation's electricity by 2030, or 35 percent if hydropower were included.