Japan backs role of nuclear power in 2030 energy plan | Reuters

Japan backs role of nuclear power in 2030 energy plan | Reuters: Japan released a draft of anupdated basic energy policy on Wednesday, leaving its ideal mixof power sources for 2030 in line with targets set three yearsago, despite criticism it places too much emphasis on unpopularnuclear power. The industry ministry draft said nuclear should account for20-22 percent of power supply in 2030 and renewables 22-24percent, in line with the trade ministry's goals set in 2015.Fossil fuels, such as coal and gas, account for the rest. Many experts view the nuclear target as difficult to achievein the wake of the 2011 Fukushima disaster which led to a bigshift in public opinion after it exposed industry and regulatorfailings and led to the shutdown of all the country's reactors. Nuclear plant restarts have been protracted and Japan'sreliance on imported coal and natural gas has surged, raisingcosts for businesses and consumers. In the financial year through March 2017, fossil fuelsaccounted for 83 percent of Japan's electricity, renewables 15percent and nuclear just 2 percent. Only five of Japan's 40commercially viable reactors are operating. The 2030 plan also left the door open to building newnuclear plants to help meet long-term emission