APAC shift focus to nuclear power, rooftop PV to achieve climate goals: report

Japan reconsiders nuclear power, while China and India expand rooftop solar.

Markets in Asia Pacific are looking at nuclear power and rooftop solar systems to achieve their climate targets, GlobalData reported.  

In its Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2024, GlobalData revealed that Japan is making changes to its nuclear policy after the Russian-led invasion of Ukraine increased energy prices in Japan. 

“In February 2023, the Japanese government launched the New Basic Energy Plan until 2030, making significant changes to the country’s previous nuclear policy and revealing intentions to restart suspended nuclear power plants,” Attaurahman Ojindaram Saibasan, Power Analyst at GlobalData, said. 

“Similarly, in South Korea, the government placed tremendous focus on nuclear power in its tenth basic plan 2024-2038 wherein the country aims to increase nuclear power share to 32.4% in its generation mix.”

Meanwhile, China boosted its renewable capacity through solar installations, despite reduced incentives for renewables.

Rooftop solar also expanded in India after the Indian government launched Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana (PMSY) scheme. This aimed to provide rooftop solar power systems to ten million households. 

“After disappointing renewable progress in India, the introduction of the PMSY scheme is expected to boost rooftop solar PV installations. The country can achieve similar success as China if the implementation is done in a robust manner,” he said.

“The PMSY scheme aims to help households ranging from poor to middle-income groups to get 300 units of free monthly solar electricity. With the rise in electricity prices, this is expected to encourage the adoption of rooftop solar PV systems at a rapid pace.”