According to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the country’s carbon dioxide emissions during the last fiscal year were at the highest levels yet recorded. In total we’re talking 1.224 billion metric tons of CO2. That’s an increase of 1.4% from the previous year and 16% more than 990 which is the base year for emission cuts targeted under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change,
That’s what happens when you shut down your green energy source (aka nuclear reactor fleet) and start burning more coal and gas to meet your energy requirements. Despite Japan’s reduced energy consumption last year (down 0.9%) imports of LNG were up 24% and coal 4.8% from prior to Fukushima.
An article by the Wall Street Journal quoted Tokyo-based analyst Tomomichi Akuta, saying that unless a number of reactors come back online soon, the trend of high emissions is unlikely to change much.
I don’t think Mr. Akuta’s comment is a revelation to anyone who’s been observing Japan’s progress. It is, however, a powerful endorsement for reactor restarts. With the two Sendai reactors receiving approval from both the NRA and the local prefecture, it’s widely expected the first restarts are not far off.
Dev Randhawa, CEO of Fission Uranium
