NHK has learned that Japan's economy and industry ministry is considering devising a scenario in which renewable energy will be the largest electricity source for the country by fiscal 2040.

A council of the ministry is engaged in discussions for a review of Japan's basic energy plan. The review has been prepared every three years.

The current plan says renewable energy, including solar and wind, will account for 36 to 38 percent of the country's energy mix by fiscal 2030.

For a fiscal 2040 scenario, the ministry is considering further raising the share of renewables and making them the largest source of electricity over fossil fuels.

This is in line with the government's goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In a rare move, officials say they may present multiple scenarios. They say it is difficult to predict the future cost of each power source, as well as to foresee the progress of technological innovation at this stage.

The ministry plans to compile a draft of the review next month after holding final discussions on the matter, including the role of nuclear power.