Japan has softened its commitment to nuclear power in a draft economic growth strategy to be finalized later this month after facing opposition from several Cabinet ministers, government sources said Thursday.
The government has dropped the key phrase that it "will continue to seek to make the most out of nuclear power" after protests from Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and administrative reform minister Taro Kono, who are proponents of renewable energy in order to achieve a carbon neutral society, according to the sources.
The draft is being compiled at a time when Tokyo is seeking to take a leading role in combating global warming under Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. The continued commitment to nuclear energy was sought by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.