Public Comment Calls for Shift in Nuclear Energy Policy in Japan

Shift in Nuclear Energy Policy

On July 9, 2023, the Pal System Union, based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, submitted public feedback regarding the government's draft titled "Direction and Guidelines for Future Nuclear Energy Policy." The Union emphasizes the need for a strategic shift towards a focus on renewable energy, energy conservation, and storage solutions, rather than continued dependence on nuclear energy.

Background of the Public Comment

This commentary was made in response to a revision proposal put forward by the government's nuclear subcommittee in June. The Pal System Union requested a comprehensive review of the guidelines, based on four critical areas: the feasibility of policy objectives, the economic viability of nuclear power, the pressing issues of decommissioning and waste disposal, and national security considerations.

Key Concerns Presented

The Pal System Union, representing 3.25 million households, listed several key issues in their public comment:

1. Unfeasible Nuclear Ratio Target: The Union argues that achieving a 20% nuclear energy share by 2030 is unrealistic and inappropriate as a target.
2. Deteriorating Economic Viability: The economic landscape for nuclear energy has significantly worsened, leading to an expensive operational model.
3. Serious Waste Management Challenges: The current plans for decommissioning and waste disposal are deemed unrealistic, creating serious long-term challenges.
4. National Security Risks: The Union asserts that nuclear power poses challenges for national defense and security.

The full text of the comments is available in PDF format, detailing the Union's comprehensive stance on these issues.

About Pal System Union

The Pal System Union operates from its headquarters in Shinjuku and is led by Chairman Kiyoshi Shibusawa. As of March 2026, the Union boasts a total business volume of 268.96 billion yen with approximately 1.77 million members across various cooperatives within the Pal System, including those in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gunma, Fukushima, Shizuoka, Niigata, and a mutual aid organization. The Union's commitment to cooperative values is evident, consistently prioritizing the voices of its members.

For more detailed insight, visit Pal System's official website.