Energy demands are increasing at unprecedented rates, geo-political conflicts are enhancing the need for energy security, climate tipping points are being passed faster than expected, and economic shifts coupled with Japanese domestic political upheaval are driving development interests focused on critical infrastructure. For corporations in Japan planning their transitions to low-carbon business models, the availability of clean, reliable energy is critical. To achieve Japan’s energy goals, two main pathways have emerged: the return of nuclear power, and the rise of mega-solar. In the recent elections, the debate around each pathway raged among the public as politics shifted. In this multi-piece insights article series we will examine the science behind each strategy’s rhetoric. We will discuss the benefits, the costs, and the way each option fits into the broader landscape. This first article will cover an overview of the changing energy situation and the public sentiment towards nuclear and mega-solar as solutions. Our following article will deep dive into each technology and analyze which may be most appropriate.