The 2026 war in Iran and the resulting Hormuz energy crisis have pushed nuclear power back to the center of energy security discussions across Asia, including in Japan where the conflict is elevating the role of nuclear energy as a pillar of national security.
Nuclear Expansion in Northeast Asia
In Japan, the economic costs of the conflict are positioning nuclear energy as a pillar of national security. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has ordered the development of a policy package by August to strengthen energy resiliency, with the proactive construction of new nuclear reactor units likely to be a primary recommendation. This follows the February 2025 Seventh Strategic Energy Plan, which reversed previous efforts to minimize nuclear power and instead targets a 20 percent share of electricity supply by 2040.
Support for this shift mirrors a rise in public acceptance. One annual survey started in 2006 found that by 2023, support for nuclear energy hit its highest point since the Fukushima accident. This trend is linked to a continued interest in the energy security effects of the Russian war, which caused price spikes and gas market tightness for Japanese consumers.
Japan currently operates 15 of 33 technically operable reactor units. To meet its 2040 goals, the government may need to replace units reaching the end of 60-year licenses; by the 2050s, up to 14 units (16 GW) could be lost without replacement. Reports indicate the government is close to formally proposing the construction of two to five new reactors in the coming months.
Regional Shifts in South Korea and Taiwan
South Korea and Taiwan are seeing similar shifts toward nuclear energy due to growing power demand and a high reliance on hydrocarbon imports. In mid-March, the South Korean government announced plans to increase nuclear plant utilization to 80 percent, up from the high 60 percent range, and is expediting maintenance to return six reactors to service ahead of schedule.
South Korea’s 26-reactor fleet currently provides about 30 percent of its power. According to the 11th Basic Plan on Electricity Supply and Demand, the nation aims for nuclear energy to provide nearly 32 percent of its electricity by 2030 and 35 percent by 2038. In January 2026, President Lee Jae Myung confirmed the construction of two new large reactors to meet these targets.
Accelerated Diversification Strategies
While the war did not create the demand for diversification, the IEA notes it has accelerated existing policies regarding electrification and resilience. According to International Banker, the conflict has taught governments that dependence on even friendly suppliers is a liability if supply routes are vulnerable. Nuclear power is now a key component of a broader strategic response that includes grid expansion, efficiency improvements, and renewable energy.
Southeast Asian Energy Impact
Beyond power, the region utilizes nuclear technology for mining, agriculture, nuclear medicine, and emergency response. Globally, 31 countries currently operate roughly 440 nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 400 GWe.
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