News From The Meltdowns: Sham Decontamination, China Syndrome & Reactor Restart
Channel: onthewaytoextinction
Date: 2013-07-09

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/

JAPAN TO STUDY NEW EMISSIONS CUT TARGET (CESIUM/STRONTIUM/PLUTONIUM OR CO2 -- WHICH DO YOU PREFER?)

The Japanese government plans to work out a new target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, following applications by some nuclear plant operators to restart their reactors.

 The Environment Ministry and other bodies plan to come up with a draft emissions target around September. They hope to finalize the plan in time for a UN climate change conference in November.

 Japan previously set a target of cutting emissions by 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. But the target was scrapped following the March 2011 nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant.

 The country has been relying more on thermal power generation, as all but one nuclear plant in Japan remain offline after the disaster.

 On Monday, the operators of 5 nuclear plants, including the one in operation, applied for government screening under new safety guidelines that took effect the same day.

 Environment Ministry officials are taking the move into account as they work out the new emissions target. They will estimate the operational status of the plants in 2020 and calculate the emissions target from there.

 But some government officials are cautious about setting an emissions target without clear prospects for restarting nuclear plants. Operators need to pass rigorous safety screening and obtain local consent to restart their reactors.

Jul. 9, 2013 - Updated 01:34 UTC

NEW CHALLENGE FOR JAPAN'S NUCLEAR REGULATORS

Japan's nuclear regulators are facing a tough challenge as new safety regulations take effect on Monday.

 The new rules make plant operators legally responsible for the first time for taking steps to prevent severe accidents.

 The expertise of 80 people charged with examining power companies' applications to restart reactors is on the line.

 Most of the examiners were employed by the now-defunct Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency. The former regulator was criticized for its lack of expertise in nuclear plant operations.

 Some people even called it "a slave" of the power companies it was meant to supervise.
 The current Nuclear Regulation Authority must assess the safety of each reactor under the new regulations. This includes measures taken by operators to prevent severe accidents.

 The NRA is also required to explain to the public the review process and its outcomes in plain language that people can understand.

 The NRA in May confirmed the existence of an active fault under the No. 2 reactor at the Tsuruga nuclear plant in Fukui Prefecture. The authority concluded the reactor is vulnerable to an earthquake and cannot be allowed to operate.

 But local communities complained about a lack of transparency in the way the authority handled the matter.

 Experts say the NRA needs to establish a mechanism for hearing public opinion about the review process and responding to questions.

Jul. 8, 2013 - Updated 03:22 UTC

KOMEITO URGES CAUTION FOR NUCLEAR TECH EXPORTS

The leader of Japan's junior coalition partner is expressing caution about exporting nuclear power plant technology.

 New Komeito chief Natsuo Yamaguchi told NHK on Friday that the government can decide whether to export the technology if other countries need Japan's expertise and strict safety standards.

 But he said the public will not approve of the government taking the initiative in sales promotions.

 He also said many people are still unable to return to their homes since evacuating after the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in 2011.

 Yamaguchi says exporting nuclear technology requires thorough and careful consideration.

 Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is eager to promote exports of civilian nuclear technology.

 He and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh agreed last month to speed up negotiations on a nuclear cooperation pact that will enable Japan to transfer its technology to India.

 Japan has also signed similar deals with Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

Jun. 28, 2013 - Updated 11:01 UTC

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