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The promotion of nuclear power plants is likely to come to the fore as Prime Minister Yoshii Suga declared virtually zero greenhouse gases. Without addressing the priority issue of reducing coal-based power generation, there is a possibility that the government will move to a new expansion of nuclear power plants, which the government has not openly discussed after the accident at the power plant. Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant of the Tokyo Electric Power Company.
◆ Emphasis along with energy saving and renewable energies.
The prime minister touched the nuclear power plant in just 15 characters. However, executives at major power companies felt a slight shift in the statement that “safety is our top priority.” “We emphasized energy saving, renewable energy and nuclear power plants. I think we are finally considering expanding new nuclear power plants,” he said.
The former Abe administration used the term “decarbonization option” to describe nuclear power plants. While he has been supporting the development of new technologies such as restarting and small reactors, he has continued to avoid mentioning further expansions of nuclear power plants. However, if the Kan administration places the nuclear power plant as the “pillar” of decarbonization, the new latent expansion will become a reality.
At a meeting of experts to discuss national energy policy this month, there was a statement calling for the need for a new nuclear power plant, saying: “Renewable energy alone cannot decarbonize.” In a meeting with Aomori Prefecture, Secretary General Katsunobu Kato announced the promotion of a nuclear fuel cycle that repeatedly uses spent nuclear fuel from the nuclear power plant.
However, the policy of the nuclear fuel cycle has collapsed and the fate of nuclear waste disposal has not been decided. More than 30,000 people continue to evacuate nine and a half years after the nuclear accident. If you ignore the negative aspects of the nuclear power plant with the measures against global warming as a shield, your luck will increase.
◆ Rejection of the electric power companies against coal.
On the other hand, the government has not taken seriously reducing coal-fired power generation in Europe. About 40% of Japan’s greenhouse gas comes from power plants. With regard to the “gradual abolition of inefficient coal-based power” expected by 2030, no drastic steps have been taken to curb the backlash from electric power companies.
It is also difficult to abolish the coal-fired power plant built at the steelworks. The coal-derived gas that is emitted when making iron is reused as fuel, and Toru Ono, special adviser to the Japan Steel Federation, complains that “only the power plant cannot be stopped because it is integrated with steel production.” . ..
The government allows the preservation of coal-fired power, such as new construction and reconstruction plans for electric power companies. Takako Momoi from the Tokyo Office of the NPO Climate Network called for a policy change, saying: “34 countries, including Europe, have declared carbon-free thermal energy. Japan should also be phased out.” (Shinichi Ogawa, Sota Senoo)
