(Nikkei: March 25, 2015 – p. 4)

 Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives) issued on March 24 its recommendations on the optimal composition of power generation by source (“best mix”) and ratio of nuclear power generation for 2030, saying, “It is realistic to maintain a degree of dependence on nuclear power at around 20% at minimum.” The organization suggested that as a base-load electricity source that can stably supply power without being affected by the season or weather, nuclear power generation needs to be utilized “for a certain period of time.” Keizai Doyukai also strongly called for restarting the nuclear power plants that are currently offline.

 The ratio of nuclear power generation in 2010 before the East Japan Great Earthquake was 28.6%. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has begun deliberating on the “best mix” of power sources, and discussions are apparently moving forward centering on a ratio of 15% to 25% for nuclear energy. However, the opinions of experts participating in the deliberations are still divided. The Japan Federation of Economic Organizations has called for setting the nuclear power generation ratio at over 25% for 2030.

 In its recommendations, Keizai Doyukai emphasized: “The utilization of safe and inexpensive energies is fundamental to supporting people’s comfortable lifestyles.” The organization went on to say that “it is difficult to presume today that the ratio of renewable energy will grow beyond 30%,” regarding the ratio of renewable energy in 2030.