Japan’s government approved a new policy on Thursday to maximize nuclear energy use in a major turnaround after the country shut down most of its nuclear reactors in the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
The nuclear reactor guidelines were approved by an advisory panel, which is led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan Times reported.
The guidelines will require the development of next-generation reactors and allow extending the lifespans of nuclear reactors beyond the current maximum of 60 years. It also allows replacing aging nuclear reactors with new ones to ensure a stable power supply.
The approval came a day after Japan’s nuclear watchdog, the Nuclear Regulation Authority, approved a draft review of nuclear reactor safety regulations. The new policy will still need to be put into law and approved by parliament….