Japan’s nuclear restarts to face hurdles from waste management and licensing

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Japan’s journey to restart its nuclear reactors is hitting some serious bumps in the road, particularly when it comes to managing radioactive waste, navigating lengthy licensing processes, and dealing with public pushback. This is all happening despite a growing need for dependable, low-carbon electricity, as highlighted by GlobalData.

According to the latest report from GlobalData, titled Japan Power Market Trends and Analysis, nuclear electricity generation is projected to hit 101.0 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2025, with expectations to rise to 123.3 TWh by 2035. However, the installed capacity is likely to stay pretty much the same until 2029, with only modest growth expected between 2030 and 2031.

The urgency of the restart program has intensified due to rising tensions between Israel and Iran, fluctuating fossil fuel prices, and the risk of disruptions to energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Boosting nuclear generation could be a key strategy for Japan to lessen its reliance on imported fossil fuels and enhance its energy security.

Japan’s nuclear restarts to face hurdles from waste management and licensing

That said, the path forward is complicated by rigorous safety evaluations that focus on seismic resilience, preventing severe accidents, and addressing aging equipment, all of which are causing delays in reactor approvals. Additionally, unresolved issues regarding both interim and permanent radioactive waste storage, along with safety and transparency concerns, have eroded public trust.

Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan, a Power Analyst at GlobalData, stressed the importance of developing clearer waste-management strategies, ensuring transparent safety upgrades, fostering greater community involvement in the licensing process, and supporting advanced technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs).

If these steps aren’t taken, Japan could struggle to meet its 20–22% nuclear electricity generation target by 2030, which might lead to a heavier reliance on thermal power generation, along with the accompanying costs and emissions.