Nuclear Free Again

Feeling a sense of guilty in increased use of fossil fuels, though, the Japanese again enjoy independence on nuclear power. The two reactors in Oi Nuclear Power Plant owned by the Kansai Power Company Inc. were halted its operation on Sunday for regular inspection. The Japanese, with their positive effort for saving energy, realized that they could spare nuclear energy except those two reactors in Oi during this extremely hot summer. However, there still is a pressure to resume nuclear reactors as much as possible.

It is the first time in these fourteen months that the Japanese live their ordinary life without nuclear power, since the administration led by then Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda, resumed two reactors for avoiding electricity shortage in summer time last year. It will take a few months for inspection. As long as experts of geology did not find an active fault underground of Oi Nuclear Power Plant, Nuclear Regulation Authority is supposed to be approving its resumption after the recess.

However, the total demand of electricity this summer tells that nuclear power is not necessarily be indispensable for energy needs in Japan. In spite of record high temperature was marked in cities this summer, there was not a single day that spent over 95% of total electricity available, indicating electric power companies could cover the demand without nuclear generation. By improving accommodation system of electricity between companies, more stable supply could be sought.

Main reason of this affordable energy would be found in voluntary effort of saving energy in houses and offices. Elder citizens, who do not go to office for daytime work, are tend to go to public facilities, such as library or community halls, to avoid use of air conditioner of their houses. Cool biz, in which no jacket and tie required, took root in offices. They are more skeptical about excessive produce of electricity.

Who feel jeopardized are electric power companies. If people do not need such a great amount of energy, they will not be able to retrieve what they had invested on nuclear power plants. All power companies, except Okinawa that has no nuclear reactor, are crazy about assuring safety of their plants for resuming their operation. Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, is supposed to be positive in resuming the reactors, presenting its guideline for deciding which reactors should be resumed in three years.

There will be a discussion over what are those reactors need to be resumed for. It is questionable that Abe will be able to decide to restart reactors that people realize as needless.