Town tries to shift away from heavy dependence on nuclear plant

[yuiyoshida]

Takahama is promoting area beaches and offering kayak tours to wean itself off of its dependence on the nuclear facility there for its livelihood. | FUJITANI YOSHIHIDE / CC-BY-SA-3.0

TAKAHAMA, FUKUI PREF. – In the wake of the disastrous nuclear accident in northeastern Japan nearly five years ago, the Fukui Prefecture town of Takahama has been seeking ways to reduce its heavy dependence on a nuclear power plant for its livelihood.

“It is true that we’ve depended on the nuclear industry,” said a local official responsible for community buildings in the municipality, home to Kansai Electric Power Co.’s Takahama nuclear plant.

The town and the nuclear power station have “become inseparable” since the plant’s No. 1 reactor started operations in 1974, according to the official.

The plant has provided jobs for the community, with the much of the town’s economy geared towards providing services for those who work at the facility.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/01/31/national/town-tries-shift-away-heavy-dependence-nuclear-plant/#.Vq5Tdk8s_Mp

[ManiacJoe]

1. Diversification is always a good thing.