Fourteen years after the Fukushima disaster, Japan operates a major energy turning point. The country gradually reactivates its nuclear reactors, put up in 2011 and is preparing to build new latest generation power plants. A decision motivated by the outbreak of gas prices and the unexpected increase in electricity consumption, in particular linked to the rise of artificial intelligence.
Before Fukushima’s earthquake and nuclear trauma represented 30 % of the Japanese energy mix. A part fallen to almost zero after 2011. In 2025, thanks to the gradual restart of reactors, it now ensures 8.5 % of electricity production. The new government plan provides that it will cover 20 % by 2040. In this perspective, 14 reactors have already been put in service on the 54 arrested after Fukushima, observes the Financial Times. By 2030, most of the existing park should be relaunched. The archipelago also intends to bet on rupture technologies: a roadmap has been presented for five types of new generation reactors, including small modular reactors (SMR), nuclear fusion or high temperature gas reactors.
“Everyone is wary of it”
But the return of the atom is not unanimous on this archipelago regularly bruised by natural disasters. In Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, the largest power plant in the world, the restart is blocked by the local opposition. And the Japanese bars federation denounces a premature choice. “The government seeks to actively promote nuclear without taking into account the persistent sequelae of Fukushima or the dangers of this technology”she alerts.
The enthusiasm is not bigger for new technologies like SMRs … “Everyone is wary of it, especially in Japan”regrets Hiroki Sato, director at Chubu Electric, with our colleagues. “It is however crucial to prove that these reactors are safe and viable”insists the industrialist, who invests in projects abroad, hoping that successful demonstrators-especially in the United States or Canada-will reassure the authorities and the population. Because it is urgent to find new sources of energy.
Since the invasion of Ukraine, gas prices have reached record levels, undermining a country strongly dependent on imports. Especially since the electricity needs start upwards, in reverse of projections made for a nation in demographic decline. In question, in particular: the explosion of the consumption of data centers fueling artificial intelligence. According to experts, their energy request could double, or even triple by 2030. And it will be necessary to answer them.
