Very interesting, in-depth article in Forbes a few days ago that tackles the question of Japan’s choices for energy mix going forward. Take a look and see what you think. The author, tackles the question from an economic and environmental perspective and evaluates the options accordingly.
The economic costs of Japan moving to a fossil fuel based energy mix – both for Japan itself and the global community have been well publicized. People think natural gas is cheap at the moment but for Japan – with no gas resources of its own – the cost is five times that in the US. If Japan converted it’s nuclear power stations to gas, quite aside from the engineering cost of doing so, their energy requirements would, according to NPR, use up a massive 20% of the world’s supply of liquid natural gas.
For those claiming Japan should invest in renewable energy, the article points out that Japan has poor wind and solar potential, and little biomass potential.
Then there’s the environmental impact of a fossil fuel centric Japan. The author discusses this aspect in what I consider persuasive detail and ends with the following questions: What do you care about most? The planet’s survival, economic survival, or the fear of radiation? In my opinion, the Nuclear energy option helps the planet and Japan’s economy. The alternative is more cost and more pollution.
Dev Randhawa
