Big or Small Renewables

As a result, it is too much. However, “it” has two meanings. Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry released a draft of the structure of power resources in 2030. It assumed certain reliance on nuclear power that would occupy 20-22% of all, while the share of renewable energy would be 22-24%. Major business sector was disappointed with growing share for the renewables. People skeptic on nuclear safety got angry about large role of nuclear energy. Discussion over nuclear power is still deeply divided.

The draft assumed annual energy consumption in 2030 as about 1.1 trillion kilowatts, which is 10% higher than 2013 level. The share of nuclear power was reduced from 26.4% in 2010, while renewable energy was doubled. The greatest contributor in renewable power generation was hydroelectricity, which occupied 8.8-9.2%, followed by 7% of solar, 3.7-4.6 of biomass, 1.7% of wind power and 1.0-1.1 of geothermal.

Renewable haters, such as Yomiuri or Nikkei, reported the draft as bold attempt for renewable energy. Yomiuri emphasized possible price hike stemming from feed in tariff for renewable energy. It indicated that the cost for feed in tariff would amount to ¥4 trillion, pushing utility price up, and instability of energy supply of the renewables that would cause further dependence on coal thermal generation. Negative elements presented from those newspapers were something repeatedly discussed.

Mainichi and Tokyo highlighted the consistent dependence on nuclear energy. Quoting Nuclear Reactors Regulation Law, which required every reactor to be abolished within forty years from the start, Tokyo accused the draft as unrealistic, when the regulation would be strictly applied. The draft actually expected application of exemption rule, which can extend the operation for twenty years.

Even if twenty-year rule is applied, it is unclear whether the reactor will pass the examination of Nuclear Regulation Authority. There is no final processing facility in Japan for nuclear debris, including used nuclear fuel rods and high-level radioactive waste produced by reprocessing used fuel rods. Experts against nuclear power plant criticized ignorance on nuclear waste problem as irresponsible for future generations.

Tokyo compared the draft with future targets for renewable energy in foreign countries. Germany has a target for 40-45% of renewable energy in 2025, five years earlier than Japan. Even France, known as nuclear dependent nation, has a plan to have 27% of renewable energy in 2020. Japan’s reluctance for introducing renewable energy is prominent in developed countries.