By accelerating the revival of existing reactors and the construction of new slices, the Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, turns his back on the commitment made after Fukushima to get out of the atom. He thus hopes to limit the risks of current shortage and reach carbon neutrality.
by Philippe Mesmer (Tokyo, Correspondence)
The priority restored to nuclear by Japan is struggling to convince in a country still traumatized by the Fukushima disaster in 2011. “How can you forget Fukushima?”, Regretted on July 22 Hiromi Ishii, who had to leave his house After the destruction of the nuclear power plant, during a manifestation against the return in force of the atom in the energy strategy of the archipelago.
On December 22, M Me Ishiii participated in a new rally before the Prime Minister’s offices, Fumio Kishida, against his decision to validate the new nuclear guidelines proposed by the executive commission charged of the green transition, called GX. Implementation in July to reflect on the means of achieving the 46 % emissions reduction objectives by 2030 (compared to the 2013 levels) and carbon neutrality by 2050, the GX considers nuclear as “a source of energy which contributes to energy security and which is effective for decarbonation “.
The commission pleads to optimize the use of reactors by restarting as much as possible. Before the Fukushima disaster, fifty-four reactors generated 30 % of Japan electricity. All were arrested after the drama, and new safety standards have been established. Today, ten of the thirty-nine reactors have obtained authorization to restart and are in service. Seventeen others are awaiting a restart authorization. Some having passed the security inspections cannot be relaunched due to opposition from local populations.
At the year 2021 enclosed at the end of March, nuclear energy provided only 6.9 % of the country’s electricity, while the government aims a share of 20 % to 22 % for nuclear in the Electric bouquet by 2030. Renewable energies generated 20.3 % and this share should increase to 36 % in 2030.
dependent on fossil fuels
The other recommendation of the GX is to extend the lifespan of the oldest reactors. After Fukushima, the government had limited their use at forty, with a possible extension of twenty years. Now operators will be able to apply for ten -year extensions of reactors 30 years or more. The past periods should no longer be counted to calculate their aging.
Finally, the new policy provides for the construction of “new generation innovative reactors” to replace the twenty slices to be dismantled. In October, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) detailed the design of the SRZ-1200 pressurized water reactor. His rival, Hitachi Ge Nuclear Energy, works on a similar model. The two groups are also interested in small modular units with a maximum power of 300 megawatts, as well as in nuclear reactors at very high temperature, VHTR, and the fast neutron reactors.
You have 43.56% of this article to read. The continuation is reserved for subscribers.