A top official from Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has shared their thoughts on the reactivation of nuclear power plants. While the exact sentiments expressed by the official were not specified, the comment likely pertains to Japan's ongoing debate regarding nuclear power, which has remained a hot topic since the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster.
Japan's energy policy has been a focal point of national debate ever since the 2011 disaster. With a significant number of its nuclear power plants still offline, the question of whether to restart them is closely tied to the nation's energy security, economy, and commitment to climate change. The citizens' responses, however, vary widely, with some expressing fear over potential disasters, while others are worried about the country's increasing reliance on fossil fuel imports.
In contrast to Japan, both the US and EU have more diversified energy sources. While nuclear energy remains a contentious issue, they have not faced blackouts or energy shortages as a result of plants being offline. In the US, the policy debate about nuclear power tends to focus more on the potential risks, disposal of nuclear waste, and the comparison with other renewable energy sources.