Japan's total power generation fell to its lowest in more than a decade in the year through March, dropping below levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The total amount of electricity generated fell 1.6% year on year to 985.4 terawatt hours, the lowest according to government data going back to 2010.

Nonfossil fuel sources — which the government defines as hydro, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and nuclear — made up 31.4% of the country's energy mix, up from 27.4% the year prior. The increase was supported by a boost in the use of atomic energy, which rose almost 50% from a year earlier.

Japan has seen power demand decline in recent years amid a shrinking population and improved energy efficiency. Final power consumption in the previous fiscal year dropped to its lowest level in 28 years, the government data showed.

Resource-scant Japan relies heavily on imports of oil, gas and coal for its energy needs, making it vulnerable to external shocks. That has also made it difficult for Japan to wean itself off fossil fuels. The country currently aims to have renewable sources make up 36% to 38% of its power mix by 2030, and nuclear, 20% to 22%.