Japan's
trade and industry minister on Tuesday said that phasing out nuclear
power by 2030 is possible and would not be a drag on the domestic
economy.
"We
can do it," Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yukio Edano
told reporters at a press conference, referring to reducing Japan's
reliance on nuclear energy to zero.
"I
don't think the zero scenario is negative for Japan's economy. On the
contrary, it can create growth" by driving technological innovation in
renewable energy and energy efficiency, he said.
The
government of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has been considering
scenarios for the future of the country's energy mix since last year,
after the Fukushima Daiichi accident raised doubts over Japan's
long-term plan to increase its dependence on nuclear power.
The
government will make its decision from three scenarios: phasing out
nuclear power by 2030, reducing dependence to 15%, or keeping it at
current levels around 20% to 25%.
Mr.
Edano added that phasing out nuclear energy is as least as possible as
the other two options. His comments come after Prime Minister Noda
instructed his Cabinet late Monday to look into the implications of
deciding to eliminate nuclear power.
Earlier
this year, a government panel forecast that GDP growth could fall by up
to 5% by 2030 if the country phases out nuclear power.
The
premier has also said he would meet with representatives of
anti-nuclear demonstrators who have voiced their opposition against
atomic energy outside his office every Friday.
Ahead
of the decision, the government has held several town hall meetings
across the country where citizens could express their opinions about the
three scenarios. Of those who applied for an opportunity to speak at
the meetings, about 70% said they want to eliminate nuclear power,
according to the government.
In
a poll in the Asahi Shimbun conducted last weekend, 43% of 1,540
respondents said they favor the zero scenario, while 31% chose the 15%
scenario. Only 11% chose the 20%-25% scenario.