About Japan's energy mix draft

June 1, 2015

Some experts demanded less use of nuke power

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20150601_26.html

Jun. 1, 2015 - Updated 10:58 UTC+2

In a discussion about the final draft plan on Japan's future energy sources, several experts have called for using less nuclear power.

The 14-member panel endorsed on Monday the draft for Japan's energy plan for fiscal 2030. It aims to set the country's nuclear power dependence at 20 to 22 percent of total energy.

Earlier, three of the panel members lodged a written objection against the panel's draft plan. They said it failed to meet Japan's policy to reduce as much as possible its reliance on atomic energy.

Their paper said the ratio is based on the scenario the operational lifespan of Japan's nuclear reactors will be extended beyond their standard of 40 years.

The experts said the use of renewable energy, set at 22 to 24 percent in the draft, should be raised to at least 30 percent by introducing more solar and wind power.

During Monday's meeting, some members proposed that renewable energy be available for use when nuclear plants cannot provide sufficient energy.

Others said the use of nuclear power should be reduced to meet public expectations. They said priority should be attached to safety, and existing power plants be replaced by new state-of-the-art nuclear facilities.

Industry ministry officials overseeing the panel said that no plan is in place to build new nuclear reactors or replace old ones with new ones.

They said some of the plants will be put into use beyond the operational lifespan, but with greater safety levels and higher operating rates.

The plan was ultimately endorsed by the panel members. The final draft proposes that once the plan is officially adopted it be reviewed every 3 years.

Govt. panel endorses energy mix draft plan

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20150601_24.html

Jun. 1, 2015 - Updated 09:33 UTC+2

A panel of experts on Monday endorsed the final draft plan submitted by industry ministry officials on Japan's electricity needs in the future.

The key issue is the balance of nuclear power, fossil fuels and renewables.

The plan indicates nuclear power should contribute 20 to 22 percent of total energy by fiscal 2030. The figure was about 28 percent before the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011.

The plan also calls for Japan to more than double its reliance on renewable energy sources to up to 24 percent.

Renewables accounted for about 10 percent of total supply in fiscal 2013.

Ministry officials say they will collect comments from the public. They will officially decide on the energy plan as early as July.