CNBC reported that Nobuo Tanaka attributed that to the possibility of “serious problems by the end of this year” if Japan does not have nuclear power.
He added that Japan wants to secure energy supplies but also work toward reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, and striking that balance could prove increasingly challenging.
“Japanese public support is more than 60%, and it was the first time ever that support of nuclear power is starting to come over 50% after the Fukushima accident,” Mr Tanaka said. Mr Tanaka, now the chair of the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum, was speaking at the 2022 Global Supertrends Conference.
There have been reservations among the Japanese public over the use of nuclear energy, particularly when it comes to the issue of safety, but Mr Tanaka said the future of nuclear power is now safer, and stressed the importance of minimising risk and maintaining “peaceful use”.
Last month, Japan’s prime minister Fumio Kishida said he wants to operate nine commercial nuclear power plants this winter to address a looming electricity shortage, increasing the number online from five. The move will allow the country to secure about 10% of its electricity needs from nuclear energy, Kishida said.
New industry minister Yasutoshi Nishimura pledged to secure a stable energy supply, including an increased use of nuclear power.
Energy Reserves May Dwindle This Winter
Press reports in Japan said the country has enough electricity this summer, but energy reserves may dwindle during the winter.
Most of Japan’s nuclear power stations are shut down as a result of stricter safety regulations implemented after the Fukushima-Daiichi accident in 2011.
Before the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear accident in 2011, Japan’s fleet of 54 nuclear power plants generated about 30% of the country’s electricity. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency that figure was 5.1% in 2020.
Japan has seen 10 commercial nuclear reactors return to service since Fukushima-Daiichi. According to the Tokyo-based Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (Jaif) they are Genkai-3, Genkai-4, Ikata-3, Mihama-3, Ohi-3, Ohi-4, Sendai-1, Sendai-2, Takahama-3 and Takahama-4. Five of those are currently operating, but Jaif has not specified which. Nikkei Asia said the other five are undergoing inspections and safety updates.
