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Japan's nuclear dilemma to undercut power reforms

11 Comments
By Aaron Sheldrick and Osamu Tsukimori

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11 Comments
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all but two of the nation’s reactors remain closed

I believe the correct term is "offline". Aren't reactors always closed?

3 ( +4 / -1 )

First they need to standardise the power in Japan - having east and west running on different frequencies (50 and 60Hz respectively) makes flexible energy distribution very difficult, though it probably plays right into the hands of the 8 largest utilities.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Tokyo Electric Power, the operator of the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, for example, is reserving grid capacity for its Fukushima Daini plant nearby

This should not be allowed.... If the nuclear power plants are not online and will not be in the foreseeable future.... The grid space nuclear power companies are reserving could be used by a company that actually has a power source to sell...

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

“It is up to us to decide whether to scrap Fukushima Daini plant,”

After all this they are still trying to keep it. I would say it's quite up to the government, given their shares in the company after the disaster, and the countless bailouts. But, nope... japan inc. as usual.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

They know that once it's given to renewables there will be no reason to give it back especially with a falling population base. Geothermal is a great candidate for a general baseload. Even pumped storage (hydroelectric water pumped into reservoir off peak) . Companies can also work on co-generation. The era of big utilities is diminishing with the ability of larger numbers of smaller ones possible for a more dynamic system. From homes to commercial to industrial users becoming both user and generator.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

They are like a dog with a bone. They just won't let it go no matter how stinky it is! Just the fact that, these cartels are investing so heavily in upgrading these ageing reactors and not showing any interest in alternatives shows you how belligerent these fools are. Then, you can add the fact that, 70% of the population are against a return to the reliance on nuclear energy. Just how deep is the money pit of nuclear energy? The one nuclear disaster is going to end up costing ten times more than it coat to build every reactor in Japan. And, there was that multi-million dollar sea wall they just completed, which was a complete waste of money. "Ignorance can be cured, but stupidity cannot!"

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Separate grid operation and power generation, than everyone has to see what is most efficient.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Another usage for pumped water storage would be as an energy battery for intermittent sources like solar and wind. That way the pumped dam can release at a reliable and predictable rate when needed and even overnight use. This is very fast. With enough wind farms and solar homes/commerical/industrial buildings surrounding the pumped storage area, you could have an interesting system, especially in a nation full of mountains!

This is with all proven technology today and could be setup now. It'll just be a question of which mountain and the design with the lowest environmental impact.

All I see are opportunities for renewables in Japan. Local ongoing energy jobs that can't be exported. The notion that Japan is a resource poor country is only from the old system way of thinking.

The new way remove those shackles.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The National Park Agency are one of the biggest obstacles to increasing the use of geothermal power in Japan, as they claim that it will affect tourism and the views of people, as well as damaging the landscape.

A quick trip to New Zealand would show them that most GT plants have a small visual and physical footprint, are easily hidden with trees, and so blend easily into landscapes.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Shirley Japan doesn't need to use National Park attractions for energy? Japan could try for the Iceland style geo powered homes

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

the biggest overhaul in the history of Japan’s power industry started on Friday.....sounds like foolsday joke, but lets see.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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