Japanese Civil are angered to Shinzo Abe policy which promote restarting nuclear power plants.

Japanese Civil are angered to Shinzo Abe policy which promote restarting nuclear power plants.

http://forumonenergy.com/2014/10/21/real-clear-policy-pm-abe-announces-support-of-nuclear-plant-restart/

 

Real Clear Policy: PM Abe Announces Support of Nuclear Plant Restart

 

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

This week Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe publicly endorsed the restart of the nuclear reactors at Kyushu Electric’s Sendai power plant in southern Japan, according to Real Clear Policy. The restart of the reactors — which observers believe will pave a path for further restarts — hinges on the consent from the governor of Kagoshima Prefecture and the mayor of Satsumasendai, where the plant is located. All of Japan’s reactors were shut down in reaction to the accident at Fukushima Daiichi three years ago.

The process of restarting Japan’s nuclear reactors includes several investigations of the reactors safety. Earlier this year, the Nuclear Regulatory Authority issued a lengthy report showing that Kyushu Electric’s safety assessment met the new regulatory standards established by the agency. Kyushu Electric still faces other obstacles before the plant can go online, including the agreement of local governments.

According to author Derrick Freeman, while nuclear support tends to be highest in communities that host the reactors, “Overall, however, the public remains wary. Before the accident, nearly two-thirds of the public supported building new nuclear reactors; a national public poll taken in July and published by the Asahi newspapers found 59 percent opposition to the restart at Sendai.”

Read the full story here.

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Japanese protesters rally against gov't move to restart plant

http://english.cntv.cn/2014/08/31/VIDE1409450883639740.shtml

Reporter: Terrence Terashima 丨 CCTV.com

08-31-2014 10:09 BJT

http://player.cntv.cn/standard/cntvOutSidePlayer.swf?videoCenterId=e942952397ae4f4d9549917ccd96adc8&tai=outSide.english&videoId=409450883639740




It’s been almost three and a half years since the disaster at the Fukushima Number-One nuclear power plant. All of Japan’s nuclear power plants have been dormant since then. But now there is a possibility that Japan may restart the Sendai Power Plant in southern Japan, after it passed inspection in July. CCTV’s Terrence Terashima was at Japan’s Parliament building on Saturday, where hundreds are gathering to protest against the move.

It has become a regular scene on weekends, as protestors demand the government to stop resuming use of nuclear energy.

Criticizing the Abe government for promoting nuclear power, at the cost of public safety.

Hundreds, gathered in front of the government diet building, including residents forced to evacuate from their hometowns in Fukushima, and number of opposition lawmakers.

For the past three years protest like these have been held regularly in various parts of Japan. Calling for zero nuclear policy. As the possibility for restarting some of the nuclear power plants get stronger, anti nuclear protests in Japan is expected to heat up again.

It appears almost certain that the Sendai plant, in Kagoshima Prefecture, Southern Japan will be the first nuclear plant to be put back online since the new regulations were made.

The Nuclear Regulatory Authority approved the safety standards in July, despite number of experts concerns of risks of volcanic activities located not far from the plant

The NRA said the risks of volcanic eruptions around the Sendai plant are negligible during its lifespan. Which sparked criticisms nationwide.

"I do not think the government have not convinced the public that the safety standards are adequate," a Japanese citizen said.

"If they start the Sendai plant, it will be like a domino effect, many more will restart," a Japanese citizen said.

The anti-nuclear protest was timely, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Japan for a five-day official visit. Expecting to discuss number of issues with Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. Including civil nuclear deal.

Many Japanese also oppose Japan’s attempt to export its nuclear technologies.

"Fukushima is not under control, and I don’t see logic in Japan exporting nuclear plants to Turkey or India. Who is going to take the responsibility when an accident occur in these countries," a Japanese citizen said.

The Sendai plant still needs to clear number issues such as submitting revised construction plans. But once the paper work is clear, possibly at the end of September, the plan is ready to restart.