Japan Abandons Nuclear For Renewables

It's not a widely known fact but Japan is probably the most energy efficient country in the world.

This came about through necessity. Until quite recently Japan was completely dependant on imported fossil fuels and was badly hit by the oil price shocks in the early 70's. So the Japanese went all out for energy efficiency. And, to further reduce their exposure, they later built dozens of nuclear power stations (More background here).

Then came the Fukushima disaster.

The Japanese response was to shut down all 50 nuclear reactors. This was understandable, considering this is a country prone to natural disasters, but it left them with something of an energy gap to bridge. A big problem for what is one of the largest economies in the world.

So, after a period of consideration, the government have decided to embark on a huge rush for renewables (Solar, wind, geothermal and hydro) backed up by a new drive for energy efficiency.

If they get it right, it could advance the cause of clean energy enormously because the technology will inevitably be pushed forward and the final result could be a model for other industrialised nations.

More detail here.