nuclear-news

Report from Japan’s nuclear inquiry panel avoids policy recommendations

Panel avoids tough nuclear power questions / Report refrains from policy suggestions; some members say they needed more time for discussions Daily Yomuiri, Ryosuke Yamauchi and Hironori Kanashima / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writers, 30 Aug 12,

A summary report by a government panel of experts that analyzed recent public polls on future nuclear power dependency refrained from making concrete suggestions on a future energy policy, but said most people want to move away from nuclear power.

The government plans to use the report to compile its “Innovative
Strategy for Energy and the Environment” by the end of the current
Diet session on Sept. 8.

However, as opinions within the government and the ruling Democratic
Party of Japan remain divided over an energy vision, it is unlikely
the government will settle on a target proportion of nuclear power in
power generation.

The panel, chaired by Motohisa Furukawa, state minister in charge of
national policy, compiled the summary report after its eight members,
including experts on opinion polls, discussed the matter in three
meetings.

The report, compiled Tuesday, concluded, “At least a majority of the
public wish to realize a society that isn’t dependent on nuclear
power.”

However, it avoided outlining a clear direction in the country’s
energy policy among the three scenarios of nuclear power dependency in
2030–zero, 15 percent or 20-25 percent.
The panel’s report was based on 90,000 public comments and opinions
gathered at hearings in 11 locations as well as a deliberative opinion
poll. It also analyzed 1,300 responses to questionnaires and opinions
from industry groups to clarify main issues on the matter.

In the report, the panel took a reserved stance toward a plan to
achieve zero dependency by 2030, saying it remains a question how
early denuclearization should be realized, even though the majority of
the public support the policy…. Asked whether nuclear dependency
should gradually be reduced to zero, about 65 percent of female
respondents said yes, while only 53 percent of male respondents said
they agreed…. http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120829004315.htm

August 30, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Japan, politics