原子力の社会的価値に関する考察 海外の視点から
概要
In Japan, where energy resources are scarce, nuclear power has been developed as one of the important pillars of Japan's energy mix, as it excels in 3E, which are energy security, economic efficiency, and environment. After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Accident in March 2011, Japan's energy policy changed to lower dependency on nuclear power generation to the extent possible. On the other hand, when we turn our eyes to the world, global warming is causing an imminent crisis and countermeasures are urgently needed. Many of nuclear-power countries have decided to actively utilize nuclear power to reduce CO2 at low cost and effectively. The social value of nuclear power is not limited to 3E criterion above, as it is not only simply replacing fossil fuel, but also has a wide range of values such as providing heat source for chemical process and steel, agriculture, food, water, medical care, etc. UNECE reports nuclear energy is valuable in all the 17 SDGs. Japan's nuclear expertise in design, construction, safety and more than 40 years of operational experience should be utilized to better and safer use of nuclear power plants all over the world for the sustainable development.
