Japan and Fukushima: it appears likely that Oi Nuclear Plant will restart in Fukui Prefecture
Japan and Fukushima: it appears likely that Oi Nuclear Plant will restart in Fukui Prefecture
Pierre Leblanc and James Jomo
Modern Tokyo Times
It would appear that Japan will restart the Oi nuclear plant early next week or within a relatively short timeframe. The Oi nuclear plant is situated in the Fukui Prefecture and clearly many businesses will feel a sense of relief. This realistic event will take place because local leaders have dropped their demands after listening carefully to government initiatives related to safety and environmental concerns.
It is abundantly clear that Japan isn’t blessed with natural resources and with a strong yen, negative global economy, more imports of dirty energy, and without any real alternative at the moment; then this decision is based on pragmatism. Of course, not all individuals will be happy about the restarting of Oi nuclear reactors number 3 and 4. Therefore, the debate will still continue to rage within the political corridors of power in Japan.
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda understands the need to prevent any power blackouts and to help the economy of Japan which is under enormous strain. Also, the nuclear sector in nations like Japan and France are extremely powerful and last year Japan agreed to develop nuclear power in Vietnam. On top of this, Japanese companies are in the process of obtaining contracts in a host of other nations.
The central government managed to persuade the head of the Union of Kansai Governments and obviously business lobbying will have taken place. This business lobbying applies to influencing the central government and the Union of Kansai Governments. It is hoped that once the Oi nuclear reactors restart that some sort of normality will occur over installing a genuine long-term energy policy.
It may well be that the government of Japan implements further stringent new measures and creates new flexible mechanisms related to the nuclear sector. Clearly, many new measures have been taken related to nuclear safety and how various bodies will interact in the future. Indeed, the nuclear fiasco in Fukushima appears to be based on human failure related to many weaknesses within the system. Therefore, providing greater transparency takes place alongside new innovations, safety measures, installing proper back-up systems, and an array of important areas; then more than likely this topic will not be at the top of the political agenda during the next election.
Dr. Vojin Joksimovich, a nuclear specialist, commented in the Modern Tokyo Times that “It is now known that the Fukushima accident resulted in no acute fatalities, no acute injuries, no extended hospitalizations due to radiation and unlikely cancer fatalities in 50 years, according to Professor Wade Allison testimony in the UK House of Commons. 210,000 Fukushima residents have undergone screening without any health effects. Prof. Allison based his testimony on the book he authored Radiation and Reason published in 2009 and thus available to Chancellor Merkel’s scientific advisers (probably not consulted).”
Indeed, if you visit places like Koriyama in Fukushima today you will witness a vibrant commercial city, which is also extremely trendy. However, images of modern day Fukushima are rarely seen in the mass media when it relates to positive images of this beautiful part of Japan.
Of course, the crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant can’t be underestimated but this mainly applies to crisis management, internal failures within TEPCO, the lack of independence of nuclear bodies, and other very important areas. It also became noticeable in the early stages that Japan didn’t fully take on board important advice outside of the country. Also, the measures taken to prevent a tsunami and earthquake from destroying an important nuclear plant was lacking because of weaknesses within the system.
Local farmers, fishermen, and other areas which have been badly hit because of radiation need major economic support within a specific but limited part of Fukushima. Sadly, many anti-nuclear lobbyists and environmentalists have blown up the crisis beyond what was ever plausible. This in turn generated new strains on the economy of Japan and continues to hinder tourism because of the irrationality of many articles and commentators.
Therefore, after listening to the central government, the Hyogo Governor Toshizo Ido stated that “We will accept the government’s decision.” This means that the political bigwigs including Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and Yukio Edano, managed to persuade local government leaders. The role of Yukio Edano can’t be underestimated because during the height of the crisis at the Daiichi Nuclear plant it was he who commented daily about the crisis. Therefore, his views are widely respected within Japan.
Toru Hashimoto, the Mayor of Osaka, made an abrupt u-turn based on the strength of the central government and the fear that some major companies may relocate their factories because of shortages of power supplies. It is clear that Hashimoto needs to tone down some of his stances and adopt a more pragmatic approach rather than confrontational when it isn’t required.
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stated that “I, the prime minister, will take responsibility for making a final decision” based on the decision by local leaders. Therefore, with their consent being given it would appear that two nuclear reactors at the Oi nuclear power plant will start to generate much needed energy once more.
The future of the nuclear industry in Japan still remains up in the air. However, until alternative mechanisms are fully in place then the nuclear option is needed in the short-term. In the future, nobody knows because the nuclear sector may once more rebound in Japan or alternatively a new dynamic energy policy may be enacted outside of nuclear energy. Yet, for now, this valuable source of energy is needed in modern day Japan therefore the starting of Oi nuclear plant is based on pragmatism.
