Japan may back substantial reduction in nuclear dependence by 2030

Japan may back substantial reduction in nuclear dependence by 2030

The Japanese government seems to support lowering the country's nuclear energy dependence from about 26% in 2010 to 15% by 2030, observers say. The number of commercial reactors in Japan will also drop from 50 to 20 by 2030 if the country implements a rule to decrease the operating lives of such units to 40 years. "We should strictly check nuclear reactors and take the stance of not allowing those beyond 40 years to operate," said Shunichi Tanaka, the Japanese government's nominee to head a new regulatory body. The Mainichi (Japan)/Kyodo News (8/4)