Nuclear power was recognized here, too, as an important base-load power source\u2014one that is both low-carbon and quasi-domestic\u2014contributing to the stability of the energy supply-demand structure over the long term, again premised on ensuring safety, as ever. The new plan stated that\u00a0nuclear energy will be \u201cutilized sustainably, on a necessary scale \u2026 in order to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2050,\u201d while efforts are made to obtain confidence from the public. That demonstrates that nuclear energy was also viewed as contributing to decarbonizing the energy system, and will continue to be used consistently in that process.<\/p>\n
The plan also referred to (1) restarting nuclear power plants (NPPs), prioritizing safety, (2) promoting the nuclear fuel cycle policy, (3) addressing various issues in long-term NPP operation, (4) improving the environment for stable NPP operation, (5) pursuing even safer<\/em> reactors, and so forth, and (6) strengthening the infrastructure for human resources, technology, and industry. It also set out the direction of efforts that the public and private sectors must make.<\/p>\n On the other hand, the plan made no mention of the construction of new and replacement NPPs, while continuing to refer to a reduction in the country\u2019s dependency on nuclear power. Japan\u2019s course of action is not clear, unlike that of other countries, which have drawn up policies of utilizing all the available options (including nuclear energy) toward the realization of carbon neutrality.<\/p>\n For example, on October 19 the British government\u2014the chair nation for COP26\u2014announced its \u201cNet Zero Strategy<\/a>: Build Back Greener.\u201d With the aim of net-zero CO2<\/sub> emissions by 2050, and recognizing that nuclear energy will play a key role, it announced that it would support the construction of large new light-water reactors (LWRs) and the development of small modular reactors (SMRs), among other things.<\/p>\n From the viewpoint of a stable energy supply, nuclear energy\u2014an already established technology\u2014is the most reliable energy source, given that it is very robust, excellent in economic terms, and environmentally sustainable. It is also an innovative technology that embraces fast reactors, SMRs and high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs). Additional advances can certainly be expected in the future.<\/p>\n