Energy diversification is essential for Japan

Public resistance to nuclear power is a hurdle to overcome for Japan to meet its energy targets

Six years on from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, the impact is still being felt in the energy sector. Of the 42 nuclear reactors in the island nation, 12 have passed safety reviews and three of those are already back in operation, at a total capacity of 2,670MW, while the other nine are being prepared to go back online. However, three out of nine units that were approved will need more time before they can go online. But two obstacles remain. Once the government has signed them off, the nuclear reactors must still get approval from local authorities—and public opposition remains strong. A recent nationwide survey found almost 60% of the public are st