Japan's government has approved a new basic energy plan for the country. It calls for wind, solar and other renewables to be the main national power source by fiscal 2040.

Renewables are expected to account for 40 to 50 percent of the total energy mix by that time.

The previous target set 4 years ago was 36 to 38 percent by fiscal 2030.

The latest proposal says thermal power will make up 30 to 40 percent of the mix, and nuclear energy around 20 percent.

The government had tried to reduce reliance on atomic power since the 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

However, the new plan no longer refers to reducing dependency on nuclear energy. Instead, it says atomic power will be used along with renewables. This includes the development of next-generation reactors.

The latest energy strategy reflects growing demand for electricity, driven by artificial intelligence services.

After the cabinet meeting, Industry Minister Muto Yoji was asked by reporters how Japan's decarbonization efforts will be affected by US moves to increase use of fossil fuels.

He said: "I think this trend in America calls for continued monitoring. However, it's still necessary for the world community to continue with decarbonization efforts."

Muto says Japan's latest energy plan aims for a balanced mix that does not overly depend on one particular power source or fuel.

He says the goal is to simultaneously provide a stable supply of energy, economic growth, and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions.