Promote nuclear energy to combat climate change, says AEC
Japan should take the lead in promoting nuclear energy worldwide as part of efforts to combat global climate change, the Atomic Energy Commission recommended in its annual report submitted on 21 March to the government.
Japan should take the lead in promoting nuclear energy worldwide as part of efforts to combat global climate change, the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) recommended in its annual report submitted on 21 March to the government.
The commission said that there is growing international awareness that nuclear power generation could be an effective way to address the issue of climate change. It said that it is important that Japan promotes nuclear power to such an end and incorporate it as an important pillar of a global framework to succeed the Kyoto Protocol, the international accord calling on industrialized nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions by specified amounts by 2012.
"Our country should work for the international community to have a common recognition that an expansion of the peaceful use of nuclear energy is inevitable as a measure against global warming," the AEC said. The commission forecasts that the number of nuclear power reactors worldwide will increase to 790 by about 2030, up from the current 439 units.
The AEC also noted that Japanese power utilities must do more to improve the earthquake resistance of their nuclear power facilities. The commission said that public concern has increased following damage caused by last year's powerful earthquake at Tokyo Electric Power Co's (Tepco's) Kashiwazaki Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture. It is necessary to keep abreast of the latest seismological research findings, the commission stressed. The AEC said, "The government and electric utilities should try hard to gain public trust in nuclear power by providing people with information they need."
The commission also noted that with the trial operation of Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd's (JNFL's) used nuclear fuel reprocessing plant well under way in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, Japan's project to implement the so-called 'pluthermal' (plutonium and thermal) programme is showing signs of progress. Under the project, the facility will separate plutonium from used fuel for use in mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel in Japanese reactors. The 800 tonne per year plant is due to start operation in May 2008, following a 22 month test phase plus some delay at the end of 13 years construction.
The AEC was established in 1956 to implement national policies or strategies for the promotion of research, development, and utilization of nuclear energy.
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