Nuclear power will be essential if Japan is to reach its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the country’s energy minister told the Financial Times, saying that power shortages this winter have helped to shift public debate over the sector.

Heavy snowfalls that brought Japan to the brink of power cuts last month underlined the continued need for nuclear, said Hiroshi Kajiyama, who is responsible for energy in his role as minister for economy, trade and industry.

Japan has a total of 62 nuclear power units, but shut down all 42 reactors that were operating at the time after the Fukushima-Daiichi accident in 2011. Thirty-three units have a licence to operate, although before units return to service they need to meet stricter safety standards introduced after the accident.