羽田空港にながーい、新サテライト 保安検査場から15分の搭乗口も

The Japanese government has reaffirmed its plan to construct up to 14 nuclear reactors by 2050 to secure a stable energy supply amid the volatile Middle East situation. The government is also pursuing the diversification of fossil fuel supply chains to address the issue of sudden oil deliveries. The government, as reported by the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 26th, reportedly finalized an "energy diversification package" aimed at addressing the unstable Middle East situation.

This package aims to make maximum use of nuclear power while actively investing in next-generation solar panels to accelerate the transition to a green energy system (green transformation). The package is designed to minimize energy supply disruptions in the short term, especially in the event of sudden changes in Middle East situations such as war between the United States and Israel.

The government plans to change the customs procedures when importing crude oil or natural gas (Naphta) so that transactions bypass the Hormuz Strait unless absolutely necessary, with compensatory measures for increased transportation costs. Additionally, the government plans to build or upgrade a pipeline for importing crude oil to circumvent the Hormuz Strait.

In the long term, the government aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by significantly expanding nuclear power generation. The government plans to install up to 5 reactors between 2040 and 2050, and up to 9 reactors by 2050, with a total installed capacity of 16 million MWh. The government also plans to speed up research and development of next-generation reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) for their introduction.

The government plans to prioritize the development of next-generation solar panels, such as perovskite solar panels, and geothermal energy generation. The government also plans to actively secure alternative energy sources through the use of hydrogen or ammonia. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that "the supply disruption of oil products due to the US-Israel-Iran war has been partially alleviated by the government's emergency measures," but emphasized that "the government believes that a structural response is necessary to cope with future emergencies."

The government plans to submit relevant legislation to the temporary House of Representatives in the autumn and include the necessary costs in the final budget appropriation.