Japan Sets Nuclear Reactor Replacement Targets Amid Fuel Cycle Delays

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry released draft revisions to nuclear guidelines on September 20, 2026. Nozomu Mori welcomed the government's policy direction, which aims to increase reliance on nuclear power. The government has set targets to replace up to five nuclear reactors by the 2040s and up to 14 by the 2050s.

The government reaffirmed its policy of making “maximum use” of nuclear power to encourage investment in related industry sectors. However, efforts to address spent nuclear fuel remain stalled, as the key reprocessing plant in Aomori Prefecture has been repeatedly postponed, and a final disposal site has not been selected.