Japanese prime minister to pledge continued use of nuclear power

[FBaggins]

TOKYO (The Yomiuri Shimbun) -- Prime Minister Naoto Kan will declare at the forthcoming Group of Eight summit meeting Japan's intention to continue utilizing nuclear power, based on the premise of enhancing the safety of nuclear power plants, The Yomiuri Shimbun learned Saturday. During the G-8 summit of major industrial countries on May 26 and 27 in Deauville, western France, Kan also will express the nation's resolve to expand its utilization of such renewable energy sources as solar and wind power, officials said.

...snip...

However, in light of the fact that Japan has few natural resources and is in a difficult situation regarding energy security, Kan will clearly declare the nation's determination to pursue the "continued use of nuclear power," they said. Taking into account ever-intensifying international competition for energy resources, Kan will refer to Japan's intention to move in step with the United States and France, the two G-8 nations that favor the promotion of nuclear power generation.

The prime minister also will make it clear that Japan will stand apart from countries that are moving to denuclearize their energy sources, according to the officials.

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/05/14/3627246/japanese-prime-minister-to-pledge.html

[flamingdem]

1. So they decided to kick the Kan

down the road.

[AndyTiedye]

2. Didn't Take Long for the Nukies to Get to Him, Did It?

Kan was saying the opposite yesterday, as I recall. I guess whoever really pulls the strings over there didn't like that version.

[FBaggins]

3. You recall incorrectly.

His very sensible statement that they were going to increase their reliance on renewables and were not looking to expand nuclear as far as their prior plan (a dramatic increase to 50% IIRC), was incorrectly spun (sometimes deceptively, sometimes simply in error) as a rejection of nuclear power or as "slamming" nuclear power.

None of that was correct.

[kristopher]

4. That is correct - the OP article is probably quoting METI sources, not Kan

METI (Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry) is the bureaucratic version of the US Chamber of Commerce, and they are the architects of Japan's industrial policy over the past 60 years. That ministry is a core element of the nuclear industry.

******************************

Kan, economic ministry differ over future energy policy
Chubu Electric Power Co. President Akihisa Mizuno announces at its headquarters in Nagoya on May 9 that it will comply with the government's request that it suspend operation of the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant. (Mainichi)

Prime Minister Naoto Kan and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) have agreed to close the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in Shizuoka Prefecture, which is widely regarded as vulnerable to a tsunami, but have opposite goals.

Kan wants to use the measure to transform Japan's overall energy policy toward one that places emphasis on clean energy. On the other hand, METI intends to maintain the national policy of promoting nuclear power generation at the sacrifice of Hamaoka.

Chubu Electric Power Co., the operator of the Hamaoka plant, had no choice but to comply with the request based on such a delicate balance of power within the Kan administration.

"I welcome Chubu Electric Power Co.'s decision to accept our request. The government will take appropriate measures to prevent a shortage of electric power," Kan told reporters. "This result is thanks to a detailed explanation provided by Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Banri Kaieda."

Kaieda ...

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110510p2a00m0na011000c.html

*************************************

As usual Baggins wants to slant events in a way that makes people believe nuclear power is safe, popular, accepted, and necessary; all of which are untrue. Tough job if you adhere to the facts.

[FBaggins]

5. "Probably"? You mean that you hope that's the case.

If you read the article you would see that it's based on the text that the government released of his G-8 speech.

[kristopher]

6. The text is interpreted by an unnamed "official" SFSDD

That's same fission sh*%, different day.

[FBaggins]

7. And you HOPE it's wrong.

Without any reason to believe that it is.

[FBaggins]

8. Oh well... time to move on to new spin.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703421204576330950183655870.html

Prime Minister Naoto Kan said nuclear power will remain a key part of Japan's energy policy but, addressing heightened concerns about its safety, he added it must be carefully regulated. "Once a thorough implementation of safety can be determined, nuclear energy will continue to be utilized," Mr. Kan said Wednesday.

...snip...

In a news conference, Mr. Kan said that nuclear regulation must improve, noting that the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is currently responsible for promoting Japanese nuclear technology abroad while it is also charged with domestic power-plant regulation. Critics say the ministry's dual role means that regulation has been too lax in the highly earthquake-prone nation.

...snip...

Mr. Kan also said that nuclear-power plants currently suspended for regular inspections will be allowed to restart after operators take emergency safety steps to ensure security of the plants. Some 50% of Japan's nuclear plants are currently out of operation either directly or indirectly because of the March 11 earthquake or because of regular maintenance cycles.