Driven by concerns about energy security, climate change and a growing demand
for electricity worldwide, there are signs of a nuclear power industry revival that
have not been perceived since the 1980s. Several countries are already building new
reactors while others are studying the possibilities for their construction. Japan, with
its tradition and special expertise with this technology is no exception, and seems to
be particularly well placed to promote nationally nuclear expansion, considering its
scarcity of resources and its challenging environmental commitments towards 2050.
Withal, nuclear energy still faces big difficulties regarding safety, fuel depletion, waste
management and public acceptance at a local level and in global consensus contexts.
Therefore, in this study constraints at local level regarding safety, fuel depletion,
waste management and public acceptance are explored and compared to estimate
the ¡Èminimum¡É nuclear power expansion needed in Japan by 2050. This ¡Èminimum¡É
power expansion by 2050 is calculated assuming an achievement on the governmental
goals of a prospective 80% reduction of CO2 emission from all end-use sectors, and a
maximum expansion of renewable energy sources subjected to land constraints. Details
of the study and preliminary results will be presented in the meeting.