ニュース 2012/11/23 Making a lightning start towards the realization of zero operation of nuclear power plants in the 2030s. PM Noda visits renewable energy facilities Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has already announced that the Government “Will promote an Innovative Strategy for Energy and the Environment, which will mobilize all policy resources to enable the zero operation of nuclear power plants in the 2030s.” In relation to this policy target, on the morning of 23 November, PM Noda went to Kawasaki city, where he visited the Ohgishima Wind Power Plant of JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation and the Ohgishima Solar Power Plant of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). There he announced his intention to strongly support and advance the dissemination of renewable energies, as part of the lessons of the accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. During his visit, PM Noda received an explanation about the Ohgishima Solar Power Plant. The plant started operations last year and has a maximum output of 13,000 kW, capable of producing energy to power approximately 3,800 homes on an annual basis. The PM was also told about the challenges that are being faced in disseminating solar power technologies. Asked for his thoughts about what he had seen on his visit, particularly given the fact that energy policy is an important issue to be incorporated into the manifesto of the DPJ, PM Noda stated, “Since the accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant the question about what direction energy policy should take in the future has been one of national concern. The DPJ has set an ambitious target of realizing the zero operation of nuclear power plants in the 2030s. We will definitely work to promote policy in that direction.” He noted, “I believe that the differences that exist between groups who seek to simply reassess the situation after nuclear power plants have been suspended for a certain time and people within those same groups who are either for or against nuclear power and the stance of the DPJ will become readily apparent.” He also noted that, “The key to achieving zero operation of nuclear power plants is renewable energy, of the kind I have seen with my own eyes today,” and “I believe that we must make a lightning start so that we can achieve the extensive dissemination of renewable energies such as wind and solar energy. I will give instructions for bold measures to be incorporated into the Framework for Green Development Policy.” When asked about the election pledge of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to rename the Self-Defense Forces as the “National Defense Force” through an amendment to the Constitution of Japan, PM Noda responded, “President Shinzo Abe has stated that the election pledges of the LDP represent matters that are feasible and can be immediately implemented. I would question whether the amendment of the Constitution, including the amendment of Article 9 to create a National Defense Force, is truly something that can easily be realized.” He added, “While it is fine for there to be discussion on this issue, I wonder at the very least whether even the New Komeito, which has maintained its coalition with the LDP to date and seeks to continue that coalition, understands the nature of the changes being called for by President Abe. I don’t think that this is an issue that can be immediately resolved.”