Japan on Wednesday passed a law allowing nuclear reactors to operate for more than 60 years, as it seeks to reinvigorate the sector to meet energy challenges and climate goals. tries to
A parliament spokesman told JEE News the bill aims to “establish an electricity supply system that will achieve a carbon-free society”.
Under the new rules, the age limit technically remains at 60 years but exemptions are allowed for reactors that have had to stop operations for “unforeseen” reasons.
These may include changes to safety guidelines, or a temporary injunction from the court.
The new rules allow operators to exclude periods of shutdown when calculating total years of operation.
However, operators need approval from Japan’s nuclear safety watchdog for exemptions, and the law also includes measures aimed at strengthening safety checks on aging reactors.
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said in a statement that the government “wants to ensure a stable electricity supply while promoting the use of carbon-free electricity resources.”
The move comes as Japan’s government seeks to reactivate the nuclear sector, which was taken offline after the 2011 Fukushima tsunami disaster.
Most of Japan’s nuclear reactors are still out of commission, but the global energy crisis has reignited debate on the topic and polls show a softening public view of nuclear power.
