This Week’s Update (February 18, 2013)
1） An economist Tatsuo Hatta contributed a column, “Energy Source Provision – from zero emission subsidies to carbon tax” (in Japanese). As you can see from examples of nuclear power and renewable energies, government’s support for energy in Japan are mostly in form of subsidies. Until now, this has been associated with pork barrel politics. Prof. Hatta questions this, and discusses validity of carbon tax. In addition to the effect of the measure against global warming which is an important issue of energy, the carbon tax attracts attention as a source of revenue of a new form in many countries.
2） ”Expectations to TEPCO Fukushima Revitalization Headquarters“ (in Japanese). This is a general contribution from reader, a nuclear engineer, who has been involved in revival of Fukushima and decontamination. He reports the voice of local victims that they do not see the presence of the wrong-doer TEPCO. He expresses the expectations for continuation of true revitalization from the partial move of TEPCO’s headquarter function to Fukushima.
3） ”The end of the end of the Kyoto Protocol – Limits seen at the site of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiation“ (in Japanese), a column by Sumiko Takeuchi, Chief Researcher at IEEI, with whom GEPR collaborate. It is a record of COP18 held in Doha which she participated. She describes that Kyoto Protocol scheme has completely fell through, and although it is not foreseeable there are signs of new movement.
This Week’s Links
1） ”Expert Committee of Electric Power System Reform Report” (in Japanese). A report by METI panel of experts published February 8, 2013.
On electricity liberalization, it suggests retail liberalization by 2016 and schedule for separation of electrical power production from power distribution and transmission in 5 to 7 years.
However, it is questionable whether its merits and demerits were carefully discussed. We hope for the Parliament and the government to carefully assess.
2） “100 New Nuclear Power Plants to be established in Asia – Order competition accelerates between Japan, Korea and Russia” (in Japanese) an article of Nikkei, February 15, 2013.
Nuclear power plant construction in Asia is increasing rapidly. As long as there is this business opportunity, the government of each country will not stop nuclear power plants. However, we should face up the reality of increasing risks more then ever.
