simulation results indicate that nuclear power generation is not significantly important for Japan in terms of GDP, because fossil fuel power compensates for shortages
in the electricity market. However, this is based on the assumption that Japan can
buy fossil fuels on the international market without difficulty. In this regard, political
risks associated with oil-producing countries should be considered. In terms of CO 2
emissions, nuclear power is an important power source for Japan. An increase in
fossil fuel power generation causes a non-negligible amount of CO 2 emissions. The
simulation results indicate that it is difficult to diffuse enough renewable energy to
offset increases in CO 2 emissions in the zero nuclear power scenario, even if a FIT is
introduced. However, the risk of natural and man-made accidents and the challenge
of radioactive waste disposal cannot be ignored. The long-term view indicates that
nuclear power should be replaced with renewable power. Further, the risk management system for nuclear power should build on the experience of the Fukushima
Daiichi nuclear accident. Such a system should be shared among East Asian
countries with nuclear power plants.
References
Hosoe N, Gasawa K, Hashimoto H (2015) Textbook of computable general equilibrium modeling:
programming and simulations. Palgrave Macmillan, London
Peters JC (2016) The GTAP-power Data Base: disaggregating the electricity sector in the GTAP
Data Base. J Glob Econ Anal 1(1):209–250
Yamazaki M, Takeda S (2017) A computable general equilibrium assessment of Japan’s nuclear
energy policy and implications for renewable energy. Environ Econ Policy Stud 19(3):537–554
10 Economic Assessment of Japan’s Nuclear Power Policy
197
in the electricity market. However, this is based on the assumption that Japan can
buy fossil fuels on the international market without difficulty. In this regard, political
risks associated with oil-producing countries should be considered. In terms of CO 2
emissions, nuclear power is an important power source for Japan. An increase in
fossil fuel power generation causes a non-negligible amount of CO 2 emissions. The
simulation results indicate that it is difficult to diffuse enough renewable energy to
offset increases in CO 2 emissions in the zero nuclear power scenario, even if a FIT is
introduced. However, the risk of natural and man-made accidents and the challenge
of radioactive waste disposal cannot be ignored. The long-term view indicates that
nuclear power should be replaced with renewable power. Further, the risk management system for nuclear power should build on the experience of the Fukushima
Daiichi nuclear accident. Such a system should be shared among East Asian
countries with nuclear power plants.
References
Hosoe N, Gasawa K, Hashimoto H (2015) Textbook of computable general equilibrium modeling:
programming and simulations. Palgrave Macmillan, London
Peters JC (2016) The GTAP-power Data Base: disaggregating the electricity sector in the GTAP
Data Base. J Glob Econ Anal 1(1):209–250
Yamazaki M, Takeda S (2017) A computable general equilibrium assessment of Japan’s nuclear
energy policy and implications for renewable energy. Environ Econ Policy Stud 19(3):537–554
10 Economic Assessment of Japan’s Nuclear Power Policy
197