Gov't panel split on Japan's use of atomic power

A Japanese government panel tasked with presenting policy options for the country's new energy plan are divided over nuclear power use.

Out of the 18 experts of the 25-member panel who presented figures on a desirable energy mix for 2030, five said nuclear power should be zero, while one said it should account for zero to 10 percent of Japan's total energy supply.

Nine other members cited figures between 15 and 35 percent, and three made comments without specifying numbers on nuclear power. The other seven presented no figures at all, with one saying social priorities following the Fukushima nuclear disaster should be discussed first.

he earlier policy called for an increase in the nation's reliance on nuclear energy to 53 percent of total power supply by 2030 through the construction of more than 14 new reactors.

The panel chaired by Nippon Steel Corp. Chairman Akio Mimura has been considering Japan's future energy portfolio as it is tasked with drawing up policy options this spring as input for the country's next basic energy plan to be compiled around the summer.

The panel plans to combine members' various ideas into several energy scenarios later this month.