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JAPAN: Powering Ahead on Nuclear Technology
By Suvendrini Kakuchi
TOKYO, Jan 19 , 2007 (IPS) - Rapidly growing energy needs in the world coupled with a warm winter season, attributed to global warming, have boosted Japan's nuclear power sector especially the export of nuclear technology to other countries, say experts here.
''Yes, there is no denying that environment concerns and a new energy crisis has dealt a deadly blow to movements against nuclear power and that support safer renewable energy sources.'' said Prof. Hiroaki Koide, a nuclear scientist and researcher at the prestigious Kyoto University. 'But this is a wrong solution.''
Koide says his research has illustrated that nuclear power will not contribute to long-term reduction in greenhouse gases (GHGs) as claimed.
'There is a need to balance the merits of nuclear power. While nuclear energy does not discharge such gases as carbon dioxide, the downside is that pollution is caused by the construction of facilities. Also the running of nuclear reactors and waste storage rely on electricity from other sources such as coal. Moreover, if there is a nuclear accident, the destruction of the environment will be extremely serious. These aspects must be considered when examining plans to increase this dangerous power,'' he told IPS in an interview.
Still, signs in Japan indicate that the government is pushing ahead with the expansion of nuclear power at a time when the public is worried about climate change and the rising prices of oil.
Indeed, this winter has raised the profile of nuclear energy given the warm temperatures that has led to a scarcity of snow affecting the businesses of hotels and ski facilities now faced with reservation cancellations and a drop in visitors.
'Snow started falling just a few weeks ago and this year the pile-up has only reached 7 cm compared to 88 cm last year. Something must be done quickly to reverse the situation,'' said Keiko Azumi, an inn owner in Aomori prefecture, northern Japan.
Aomori prefecture, home to several nuclear power sites, was forced to cancel an annual student ski competition this year due to scanty snowfall - the lowest in its 34-year history.
Electronic goods manufacturers and department stories are reporting 60 percent drop in sales of heating products and winter clothes as a result of warmer weather.
'Developing nuclear power is an important means of protection against global warming. Japan's 40 -year experience in developing nuclear power technology and its good record of safety has given it a role to expand the energy for the sake of the environment,'' said Shinichi Mizumoto, an official at the economy, trade and industry ministry that spearheads the Japanese nuclear power industry.
Mizumoto brushed away concerns over several accidents that have occurred in Japanese nuclear plants - in 2004 five workers in Mihama reactor died from radiation after an accident - pointing out the government has increased inspections and raised safety standards.
'Japan is the only country that has been pursuing nuclear power energy in the world. As a country that suffered when it was atom bombed in 1945, the government is sensitive to ensuring a safe programme,'' he told IPS.
Taking steps towards this goal, the National Resources and Energy Agency outlined a plan this month to increase government subsidies for local governments that accept the construction of nuclear-waste sites. Public opposition has been a thorn in the side of nuclear power policies.
Municipal officials in Rokkashomura, a village in Aomori prefecture, have accepted Japan's first commercial nuclear fuel recycling plant that will use plutonium. They say the site is an important revenue earner for the village and the government has revised subsidy grants of more than 16 million US dollars to construct the facility.
'When nuclear power is promoted as an environment saver, public opposition is weakened. People feel a kind of responsibility. Economic benefits such as subsidies and jobs are also a genuine concern for the people as they face hard choices,'' said Masamichi Seido, a researcher at the Aomori Institute of Regional Studies.
Japan already operates 55 nuclear power plants and is planning to build 11 more.
At the international level, Japan is also expected to lead the way for nuclear technology exports to Asia. China's booming economy has made it the biggest market followed by India, Indonesia and Vietnam and the business is estimated to be worth billions of dollars.
'Japan is ready to respond to requests from Asian countries looking to expand nuclear power as an energy resource. With our excellent record of using nuclear power for peaceful means, we insist that Asia satisfy security requirements that include membership in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty,'' said Mizumoto.
Last September the energy agency moved to establish a nuclear fuel cycle system that calls for a multinational framework to supply and control nuclear fuel such as uranium that is expected to face a shortage with surging demand.
Japan lacks energy resources and is heavily dependant on suppliers of the raw material such as Australia, Canada and Kazakhistan.
This month, the government also managed to steer around the sticky position of India not being a member of the NPT by recognising a U.S. law signed last month to allow the sale of nuclear fuel and reactors to India. This will enable Japanese companies to participate in expansion of nuclear plants to India, according to Yomiuri' newspaper.
Miname Suzuki, energy consultant at Greenpeace, Japan, believes that economic interests and national pride rather than public safety are at the heart of the government's nuclear power programme. He points to the fact that only six percent of the energy budget is spent on safe renewable power compared to over 30 percent for nuclear energy.
'Nuclear power is yet another tool for Japan in its growing strategy to play an active global role. Public opposition must be heeded,'' she told IPS. (END)
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