Fukui Governor meets Motegi

 April 18, 2014

Fukui governor meets industry minister

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140418_22.html

The governor of Japan's Fukui prefecture has asked the central government in Tokyo to steadily implement its basic energy plan.

Fukui Governor Issei Nishikawa met industry minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Friday to discuss the energy plan approved by the cabinet earlier this month.

It defines nuclear energy as an important power source, but says Japan should minimize dependence on nuclear power.

Nishikawa was a member of the government's panel that compiled the draft plan.

Nishikawa said the government should clarify exactly what percentage of energy will come from nuclear power.

He then asked the government to come up with a plan to rebuild old nuclear plants as quickly as possible.

Nishikawa said he's concerned that reducing the nation's reliance on nuclear power will force utilities to decommission reactors. He said the government should help to create jobs in prefectures that host these plants.

Nishikawa said Motegi expressed his understanding for these requests. Nishikawa told reporters after the meeting that the basic energy plan made clear the government's stance on nuclear power generation.

However, the governor said it lacks definite ways to resolve the many problems nuclear power generation presents. He added that the government should tackle these problems as soon as possible.

Apr. 18, 2014 - Updated 05:26 UTC