Japan votes to allow nuclear plants to operate beyond 60 years

Japan passed a law on Wednesday allowing nuclear plants to operate beyond 60 years if safety conditions are met.

This new law is part of the series of measures in Japan, aimed at boosting the country’s renewable energy production as well as energy sufficiency, as in 2020 Japan imported 88.7% of its fuel supply. The country also aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, something that is made harder by the current energy crisis.

According to AFP, this measure intends to help with achieving a carbon free society, while the nuclear plants’ age cap still remains at 60 years. However, the new bill allows exceptions for periods of times in which the plants had to pause their operations.

The Japan Times points out that in order for a plant to extend its operation above the 60-year cap, approval by the economy minister will have to be granted. In addition, inspections by the Nuclear Regulation Authority will have to be passed. This authority is a commission acting under the Environment Ministry and is set to inspect each plant 30 years after the beginning of its operations and then again, every 10 years.