Japan is studying the possibility of extending the life of nuclear power plants by keeping some reactors in operation beyond the current limit of 60 years.
Japanese authorities are considering excluding the current periods limiting the end of reactor lifetimes amid the global energy crisis, according to a plan submitted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to a subcommittee of experts.
Currently, the Nuclear Reactor Regulation Law stipulates that a nuclear power plant will operate for an initial 40 years and a maximum of 60 years, reports the ‘Yomiuri’ newspaper.
The proposal seeks to respond to the shortage of energy supply through atomic energy as the main source, at a time when public opinion and the Japanese government are once again in favor of nuclear energy, despite the Fukushima disaster in 2011.
Faced with the energy crisis, the government has on several occasions called on citizens to take measures to limit their electricity consumption by reducing heating.
The import-dependent country has had to cope this year with rising fuel prices due to the Russia-Ukraine war and the weak yen, reports Bloomberg.