Japan's Prime Minister Naoto Kan has announced in a press conference the gradual nuclear phase-out of his country. “We should work towards a society that does not need nuclear power,” Kan said. To realize this plan, the degree of dependence of the nuclear power should be reduced systematically and continuously.
Is responding to growing criticism from Kan of the population and influential circles. As several polls now, the majority favors a gradual nuclear phase. Nuclear power accounts for about 30 percent of Japan's electricity production. Even before the nuclear accident in Fukushima, the government planned to increase this share in 2030 to 53 percent. This scenario has already given up Naoto Kan at an earlier time.
In a first reaction
criticize the Japanese media that we have here is merely a statement of intent. It lacked a specific timetable for exit. According to a survey by the Asahi Shimbun support only 15 percent of the prime minister. Naoto Kan is expected to announce his resignation in the next few months. Whether a new government pursued this policy, remains to be seen.
35 reactors shut down
Currently only 19 of the 54 reactors across the country still in operation. Some were turned off in the wake of the disaster, however, most were interrupted due to maintenance work. Because in Japan have legally every 13 months, the reactors are tested for safety.
Most
Prefecture governments are reluctant to turn up the reactors. Kan has announced for these reasons, last week a recent stress test for all nuclear power plants in the country. But he stressed at the press conference that was guaranteed even without the currently 35 reactors closed to the power supply for this winter and summer, provided that all would stick together on the power-saving measures.
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