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Japan's New PM Takaichi Targets 20% Nuclear Power by 2040

10/22/2025

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Sanae Takaichi, Japan's new Prime Minister, aims to revive nuclear power to cut imports and curb inflation, targeting 20% of electricity from nuclear by 2040.
She named Ryosei Akazawa as Trade and Industry Minister to pursue energy purchases with the United States, including LNG.
There are no immediate commitments to the $44 billion Alaska LNG project, while the administration may curb large solar projects using Chinese equipment.

History

Historical Context

Following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, Japan's reliance on nuclear energy plummeted, with only 2% of electricity sourced from nuclear by 2020. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's government set a target of 20% by 2040, reflecting a significant policy shift. This revival aims to balance energy imports and inflation, potentially reshaping Japan's energy landscape and its international partnerships, especially with the United States.

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Story summary

Sanae Takaichi, Japan's new Prime Minister, aims to revive nuclear power to cut imports and curb inflation, targeting 20% of electricity from nuclear by 2040.
She named Ryosei Akazawa as Trade and Industry Minister to pursue energy purchases with the United States, including LNG.
There are no immediate commitments to the $44 billion Alaska LNG project, while the administration may curb large solar projects using Chinese equipment.

1 / 2