Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings Inc. (TEPCO) plans to resume preparations to build a nuclear power plant in Aomori Prefecture for the first time since the Fukushima nuclear crisis prompted suspension of the project. The utility said it will conduct a geological survey at the site of the planned Higashidori nuclear power plant from the second half of fiscal 2018 to fiscal 2020. The results will help to determine how many reactors TEPCO can build at the site in the northern prefecture.
Asahi Shimbun 2nd July 2018 read more »
Japan has approved an energy plan that sets ambitious targets for nuclear energy use and allows the country’s struggling spent fuel recycling program to continue in the coming decade despite setbacks after the 2011 Fukushima disaster and international concern. The plan approved Tuesday by the Cabinet noted the need to reduce the plutonium stockpile, given international security concerns. The stockpile results from technical challenges in achieving fuel recycling and from slow restarts of reactors to burn it. The plan calls for further development of renewable energy but still calls for nuclear energy to account for 20-22 percent of Japan’s power generation by fiscal 2030. Experts say attaining that goal is almost impossible since utilities are opting to scrap aging reactors rather than to invest in meeting tighter post-disaster safety standards.
Business Insider 3rd July 2018 read more »
Japan aims for 24% renewable energy but keeps nuclear central. Japan’s government on Tuesday pledged to modestly boost the amount of energy coming from renewable sources to around a quarter in a new plan that also keeps nuclear power central to the country’s policy. The plan aims to have 22-24 percent of Japan’s energy needs met by renewable sources including wind and solar by 2030, a figure critics describe as unambitious based on current levels of around 15 percent.
Daily Mail 3rd July 2018 read more »
