A Japanese government panel studying the country's long-term energy alternatives following the Fukushima nuclear accident has come up with four options in its final recommendations—from a total phase-out of nuclear power to maintaining a reliance on the controversial energy source for the foreseeable future.

The panel, which wound up its deliberations late Monday, is expected to submit its report to an umbrella panel soon. The panel has discussed the country's energy options since last year's accident raised doubts across the nation about Japan's long-term plan to increase dependence on nuclear power.