Japan aims to increase its reliance on renewable energy on its way to achieving net-zero emissions, but the role of nuclear power appears to be elusive — even in the government's energy plan approved by the Cabinet about a week ahead of Sunday's general election.
The plan outlines ways to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and cut greenhouse gas emissions 46% in fiscal 2030 from fiscal 2013 levels, an ambitious leap from the previous reduction target of 26%.
The government aims to have renewables account for 36% to 38% of Japan's total power generation capacity in fiscal 2030, more than double the 18% recorded in fiscal 2019, while the percentage of fossil-fuel-fired thermal power has been slashed to 41% from 76%.