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On June 12, House of Representatives member Ryuzo Sasaki posed questions on issues regarding nuclear power plants and energy policy following relevant questions from House of Representatives member Ikuo Yamahana. Citing the outcome from a government meeting about energy and environmental issues on June 8 (which produced three respective plans to build a society in which nuclear power represents either 0%, 15%, or 20-25% of the nation's electricity mix by 2030), Sasaki asked when the government would determine the direction for related energy policy. In response, Minister for National Policy Motohisa Furukawa explained the expected timeline of starting national debate in July and compiling the new energy policy in August.
Inquired about the readiness for the feed-in tariff system to be started on July 1, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yukio Edano explained, “Various investments are now being reviewed. In this fiscal year alone, it is expected that we will see the introduction of an additional 2.5 million kW in renewable energy. Currently, the total amount of renewable energy produced is close to 20 million kW without that generated by large-scale hydroelectric power plants. We will see a 10% increase in that total amount. We will make every effort to enhance the implementation of renewable energy, undertaking every conceivable measure, including a review of the restriction of citing criterions, support for research and development, and the provision of tax breaks.”
Responding to a question on his own understanding and determination related to the reduction of Japan’s dependency on nuclear power plants with a mid- to long-term perspective, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stated, “We should reduce our dependency on nuclear power plants over the mid- to long-term, compensating for deficiencies by increasing the amount of renewable energy we use. This is indispensable in the context of a ‘green innovation’ growth strategy. We will present options to the Japanese public in an appropriate manner, have a national debate on the topic, and then develop the best possible energy mix, one which will ease the public’s anxiety in August. ”
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