Japan is looking to restart a number of idle nuclear reactors and will develop new plants using next-generation technologies as the country battles against an energy crunch, said Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday.
The move marks a dramatic reversal from Japan’s policy on nuclear energy a decade after the Fukushima disaster.
Japan had only allowed 10 of the 33 operable nuclear reactors to restart after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, which was triggered by a deadly 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami. The incident also saw public confidence in nuclear power plunge to record lows.
However, rising energy prices and a hot summer, along with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have prompted fears of a power shortage, leaving the government seeking nuclear alternatives. Meanwhile, public opinion regarding nuclear reactors has shifted in light of rising fuel prices….