Energy diversification is essential for Japan
Public resistance to nuclear power is a hurdle to overcome for Japan to meet its energy targets
Six years on from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, the impact is still being felt in the energy sector. Of the 42 nuclear reactors in the island nation, 12 have passed safety reviews and three of those are already back in operation, at a total capacity of 2,670MW, while the other nine are being prepared to go back online. However, three out of nine units that were approved will need more time before they can go online. But two obstacles remain. Once the government has signed them off, the nuclear reactors must still get approval from local authorities—and public opposition remains strong. A recent nationwide survey found almost 60% of the public are st
Also in this section
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage
10 March 2026
Eni’s director for global gas and LNG portfolio, Cristian Signoretto, discusses how demand will respond to rising LNG supply, and how the company is expanding its own gas and LNG operations through disciplined, capital-efficient investments
9 March 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis sees increases in output from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan among others before region’s murky descent
