Japan targets 4050 renewable energy by 2040
Nuclear power to account for 20 of Japan39;s 2040 energy supply
Thermal power to decrease to 3040 by 2040, focus on LNG

TOKYO, Dec 17 Reuters Japan wants renewable energy to account for up to 50 of its electricity mix by fiscal year 2040 with nuclear power taking up another 20, according to a draft of its revised basic energy policy, as it makes a clean energy push while meeting rising power demand.

As the world39;s secondlargest importer of liquefied natural gas and a major consumer of Middle Eastern oil, Japan and its basic energy plans are drawing global attention from oil, gas and coal producers.

While the previous energy plan39;s primary focus was decarbonisation, it has shifted greater attention to energy security given heightened geopolitical risks, including the RussiaUkraine war.

The industry ministry39;s policy draft, unveiled on Tuesday, proposes increasing renewables to between 40 and 50 of power supplies in the 2040 fiscal year, roughly doubling the 22.9 share in the 2023 fiscal year and exceeding the 2030 target of between 36 and 38.

Thermal power usage, particularly from inefficient coalfired power plants, is set to decrease to between 30 and 40 of the mix by 2040 from 68.6 in 2023, although the draft energy policy does not specify the breakdown of coal, gas and oil.

Advocates for renewable energy have criticised the draft, however, noting the lack of a roadmap for phasing out coalfired power.

Mika…