Japan's government for the first time plans to make solar, wind and other types of renewable energy the country's biggest source of power.
It aims to achieve that by fiscal 2040.

The government presented the new strategy at an industry ministry meeting on Tuesday.
The initiative is part of Japan's basic energy plan, which is reviewed every three years.

Renewable sources are now expected to account for 40 to 50 percent of the country's energy mix in fiscal 2040.
The previous target was 36 to 38 percent by fiscal 2030.
The plan calls for thermal power to account for 30 to 40 percent of the mix, and nuclear energy about 20 percent.

The government has tried to reduce reliance on atomic power since the Fukushima Daiichi plant accident in 2011.
But the new strategy no longer states an aim to reduce dependency on nuclear energy. Instead, it states it will be used along with renewables.
This includes promoting development of next-generation reactors.

This shift comes as more electricity-guzzling data centers are being built to meet demand for artificial intelligence services. This is raising concern about power shortages.
The government has decided the use of nuclear power is essential to decarbonize the economy and provide a stable supply of electricity.

Japanese Industry Minister Muto Yoji stressed the importance of nuclear power along with renewables to reduce use of fossil fuels: "Japan's future economic growth depends on key industries, including data centers, semiconductors, steel and chemicals. These sectors all require electricity that doesn't rely on fossil fuels. Securing a stable supply of clean energy will be vital for the country to bolster its strength."

However, concerns about the safety of nuclear power remain strong. And that could pose a challenge to winning public understanding.