nuclear-news

Tokyo protesters say”NO” to restart of nuclear reactors

Anti-nuclear protesters say “no” to possible reactor restart, Channel News Asia By Japan Bureau Chief Michiyo Ishida 17 July 14 Protesters have gathered in central Tokyo to demonstrate against a decision by Japan’s nuclear watchdog to push ahead with plans to consider restarting a nuclear plant, which it now considers safe. TOKYO: Protesters have gathered in central Tokyo to demonstrate against a decision by Japan’s nuclear watchdog to push ahead with plans to consider restarting a nuclear plant, which it now considers safe.

Shinzo Abe’s government has been pushing to bring reactors back online, after introducing tougher regulations on the industry last year. However, it faces determined opposition from concerned residents.

Protesters in Tokyo surrounded the building where the Nuclear Regulation Authority has its office, calling for the NRA to drop the plan to give the green light for the Sendai nuclear plant in Kyushu to consider the restart of its nuclear reactors.

Kyushu — Japan’s third largest island — has suffered heavily from power shortages. But steps still need to be taken for Sendai to officially restart.

The most difficult hurdle — to gain the approval of residents. Those opposed to the restart question the vulnerability of the plant’s location as it is surrounded by active volcanoes.

One of the protesters said: “We don’t think any of them should be restarted. It’s not about debating what figures indicate their safety.”……..This type of protest however, is not expected to be a one-off event, with 19 nuclear plants having applied to the NRA for a possible restart. http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/anti-nuclear-protesters/1267526.html

July 17, 2014 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Japan, opposition to nuclear