TOKYO, Aug 5, 2026 — Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has received Japanese government support for three projects focused on developing next-generation nuclear reactor technologies, including advanced light water reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs).

Selected under the Ministry of Industry's supplementary budget program, these projects encompass safety technologies and standard designs for advanced light water reactors, design and component technologies for SMRs, and efforts to strengthen the supply chain for next-generation reactors.

Japan aims to revive its nuclear power capabilities to bolster energy security and promote decarbonisation. The government's latest basic energy plan, approved in February 2025, calls for maximum use of nuclear power and supports the development and deployment of next-generation reactors while enhancing supply chains and human resources.

New nuclear policy guidelines, approved in late July 2026, call for replacing up to five reactors by the 2040s and as many as 14 by the 2050s to ensure a stable power supply. These guidelines state that advanced light water reactors and SMRs have effectively reached the stage of practical deployment from a technical standpoint.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is developing its SRZ-1200 advanced light water reactor with the goal of early commercial deployment in Japan. The company is also leading government-backed development of test fast reactors and high-temperature gas reactors under Japan's green transformation program.

Additionally, the latest subsidies will accelerate the development of a domestically designed SMR tailored to Japan's seismic and tsunami conditions, according to Mitsubishi Heavy.

Sources