How does Japan see nuclear power?

Before the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, 11% of Japan’s energy was supplied by nuclear power, while fossil fuels supplied 80%. Nuclear power lost most of its share after the nuclear accident, and consequently, dependence on fossil fuels increased. To combat this, the country’s current energy plan calls for nuclear energy to account for 20%–22% of energy output by 2030. However, despite the central government’s ambitions, the plan is experiencing a backlash because of the lack of support by local governments.

Takahama Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui Prefecture received the green light from the town’s mayor to resume operations. This came with the condition of building interim storage for its spent nuclear fuel outside of the town. However, with no neighboring localities willing to host such storage facilities, Mutsu-city in Aomori, more than 1000 km from Takahama, was singled out. Mutsu facility, funded jointly by Tokyo Electric Power Company and Japan Atomic Power, plans to start its operation in April. However, the road has not been smooth, and how the facility will be used still has not been clearly determined.

In many cases like the Takahama scenario, parties involved often are challenged by local governments and communities as they seek host locations for nuclear facilities.