Japan turns back to coal-fired power plants

[FBaggins]

The Japanese government is moving to speed up the environmental assessment process for new coal-fired power plants as its power sector struggles with a surging energy bill in the wake of the forced idling of much of the country's nuclear power plants following the Fukushima power plant meltdown in 2011.

At present, it can take up to four years for approvals for new plants to be processed. According to Japanese media reports, the government intends to make 12 months the maximum period for assessing and approving new coal-fired power plants as its utilities seek to develop more power stations to stem surging energy supply bills.

The closure of much of the country's nuclear power capacity following Fukushima has forced the utilities to restart idled oil-fired power plants, which has pushed up energy bills significantly since oil is the most expensive fuel source.


http://www.smh.com.au/business/japan-turns-back-to-coalfired-power-plants-20130425-2ihb0.html

[phantom power]

1. well, as long as we're not splitting atoms

or something.

[kristopher]

2. This is a consequence of relying on a dangerous form of energy

What do you think would happen here if we have a major accident that spread heavy contamination over a densely populated large area?

Reliance on nuclear is stupid - especially in light of the climate crisis.

[NickB79]

3. So, they go to a *different* dangerous form of energy

That will ALSO spread heavy contamination over a densely populated large area?

If this were solely about relying on nuclear to an excessive degree, you'd think they wouldn't switch to a replacement just as bad, if not worse, than the last energy source they tried. And it also seems to indicate just where their priorities truly lie when it comes to battling the climate crisis, that they'd even consider building new coal-fired plants.

[kristopher]

5. Exactly the point - I'm glad you get it!

The same interest groups that promote nuclear also promote coal; when you advocate for one, you advocate for its twin.


ETA: I repeat - What do you think would happen here if we have a major accident that spread heavy contamination over a densely populated large area?

Reliance on nuclear is stupid - especially in light of the climate crisis.

[gejohnston]

4. individual solar panels are the only way to go