Anything Germany can do...

When I was in university we often spoke about the need for 'clean' sources of energy and without fail the conversation would turn to nuclear power and the benefit that it didn't fill the atmosphere with potentially toxic and Earth warming green-house gases. Of course there was the problem of safety, and the fate of the numerous barrels of radioactive waste produced, but in terms of pros vs cons, it seemed to be a winner for the environment.

I remain unconvinced.
Perhaps its because I'm a New Zealander and I take great pride in New Zealand's strong stance against nuclear weapons and nuclear anything really. It's the Rainbow Warrior in me, I suppose.
Maybe it's just because the risk of death, cancer, food and water contamination, fertility problems, developmental issues in children and general lifestyle factors make me want to find another way.

The Japanese seem to agree.

Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant

Last Saturday (May 5 2012), over a year since the tsunami that triggered the Fukushima nuclear disaster (March 11, 2011), Japan shut down the last 50 or so of their nuclear reactors. Prior to this, a third of all of Japan's power was provided by the stations.
In the throes of summer, this has meant personal and corporate effort at keeping energy consumption limited and operation "Cool Biz" encouraging workers to leave their suit jackets at home to help reduce the need for air conditioning. Pressure in Japan is already mounting from certain sectors for nuclear power plants to be turned back on (obviously those in charge of the power plants are more interested in this happening than anyone else) but until the existing nuclear plants undergo safety tests (the reason why they were switched off) and until the local leaders and the public want them turned back on, I don't see the government doing so.

So where does that leave the more than 127 million Japanese (World Bank March 30,2012) people who used to rely heavily on electricity generated by nuclear power?
Unfortunately for them, the environment and the Japanese economy, it leaves them relying almost entirely (90%) on the consumption of fossil fuels.
At a cost of over $100 million extra a day, Japan is paying dearly for their choice to avoid the potentially unsafe generation of nuclear power. With international focus on cutting carbon emissions, this also seems like a backwards direction for Japan in environmental terms.

Not all see it this way, with many viewing the move away from nuclear power as a great opportunity for the nation to develop cleaner and safer kinds of energy. The Prime Ministers goals are modest compared to some (Denmark has committed to using only renewable energy sources by 2050) PM Noda stating that Japan's targets are more along the lines of 25-30% by 2030. "If Japan has the motivation, it can do this, too," said Sei Kato, deputy director of the Environment Ministry's Low Carbon Society Promotion Office. "We have the technological know-how. Japan can do anything that Germany can."

I believe that one of the greatest benefits of what is a terrible situation for Japan (especially those who were near Fukushima) is that many other nations have taken the opportunity to assess their own power needs, and those relying on nuclear power are questioning just how safe it is. 

It's interesting to note that throughout America and Europe, areas known for using nuclear power, few new stations are being built. It is the area where we (I) live, in the Pacific/Asian region where new nuclear power stations are popping up. While it would be nice to assume that more modern constructions would be robust enough to face the unpredictable weather and face down earthquakes and tsunamis, recent events don't fill me with inspiration. 

Source

Here in Sydney, we're fossil fuel eaters. Coal in particular, and regardless of what it said about 'clean coal', the consumption of a non renewable resource which spits waste into the atmosphere is not clean. There is no such thing as clean coal.  (I think I saw that on a Greens sticker once... I'm not a Green)

Without the fear for human safety, there is far less of an urgency for a dramatic shift to the renewable energy sector. What a shame. 

It seems to me that consistent effort is going to be the key. Japan's example should show us all that while it may be difficult (nuclear power companies will fight to the end), while existing frame works may not fit perfectly (their current power grid is not well suited for solar and wind power... that kind of thing) and while they face their own unique challenges (population size, physical isolation from mainland Asia etc) the goal is to work for a better tomorrow... in ten or twenty years. This mind set doesn't mesh well with current social thinking which to me seems to be all about instant gratification, but surely there are enough people with some foresight to get it done.

In another moment of New Zealand pride I would just like to point out that most energy used by the country is generated from hydro, geothermal and wind. 

Obviously with a MUCH smaller population the power requirements are dwarfed by those of Japan or even Australia, and New Zealand's unique geothermal profile allows for equally unique opportunities to harvest energy. However I do believe that all countries should attack the problem of power pollution, over consumption and so on in their own unique way. 

Wind Farm in New Zealand - source

If Germany can do it, and Japan is doing it... then can't we all?

My personal contribution to power saving is more financially driven (I hate paying power bills) but for whatever reason, I switch of my electrical devices at the wall every night. This means slightly less coal being burnt for me and mine. 

How about you?

If you want to read more about the specifics of what happened in Japan and a generally good article about 'safety' in a nuclear powered world, check this out. 

  EDIT:
I just saw on the news that China, after halting the approval of any new Nuclear Power Plants following the melt down in Fukushima has indicated that it will be pushing forward with their nuclear expansion. As the largest power consumer in the world, and not renowned for the transparent sharing of information, I find this concerning. Recently the 18 year old Daya Bay Nuclear Plant was open for press, but no filming was allowed. There have been news of a leak in the plant recently, but naturally, nothing has been officially confirmed. China currently has 16 nuclear power stations with 26 more on the cards.
As the leaders in solar power technology, you'd expect China to use it more. Or you'd hope.