Japan govt overturns nuclear power phase-out
People shout slogans during a demonstration denouncing nuclear power plants in front of the official residence of Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in Tokyo on July 20, 2012. The cabinet has approved a report that will switch on Japan's reactors. AFP PHOTO/Rie Ishii
What you need to know:
- Kenya's efforts to set a up nuclear reactor have faced heavy criticism over safety concerns, but Japan's sharp turn is a short in the arm for aspiring nuclear powers.
The cabinet of the government of Japan has approved a report that calls for a return to nuclear power in a move to that could embolden the resolve by developing nations to fast track their nuclear ambitions.
A report commissioned by a seemingly pro nuclear new government of nuclear disaster hit Asian economic giant sites high fuel costs and heavy carbon emissions as the key reason why Japan should switch on its reactors.
Japan's nuclear reactors have all been turned off after the disaster at the Fukushima plant triggered by a tsunami and a massive earth quake in March 2011.
"The report reflects the pro-nuclear government’s latest national energy policy, which defined nuclear power as an important base-load power source,” the Japan Times reported.
Kenya's efforts to set a up nuclear reactor have faced heavy criticism over safety concerns, but Japan's sharp turn is a short in the arm for Kenya's nuclear advocates.
Imports of fuels such as liquefied natural gas rose ¥10 trillion from 2010 to ¥27 trillion in 2013, mainly because thermal power plants have been operating flat out to replace lost nuclear capacity.
The growth hungry nation is also seeking to stem the country's ailing balance of payment that hit a record low last year partly on mounting fossil fuel imports.
