New Japan PM's energy policies focuses on nuclear power
Sanae Takaichi, the new Japanese prime minister, is expected to press for a rapid revival of nuclear energy to combat inflation, which has been a major source of discontent amongst the public. Reactor restarts are also key to reducing expensive fuel imports.
Analysts said that Takaichi appointed Ryosei Acazawa as its trade and industry minister, a position which includes energy. This appointment signals a willingness to engage Washington, especially on the purchase of liquefied gas, they added.
The report on Wednesday said that her government is planning to purchase a number of items to be presented to U.S. president Donald Trump when he visits Tokyo next week. This includes LNG, but not the pipeline from Alaska, which Trump has championed.
Akazawa, however, said that on Wednesday it is essential to maximize power sources that contribute towards energy security and decarbonisation.
He said: "We intend to proceed with the nuclear restart while taking concrete measures to gain the understanding of local stakeholders and communities." (Reporting and editing by Tony Munroe, Raju Gopalakrishnan and Yuka Obayashi)
(source: Reuters)