Overview of the energy situation in Japan 18 months after Fukushima accident

After the Fukushima accident all the Japanese reactors (54 units) were stopped progressively in order to be submitted to stress tests. Only 2 reactors re-started again in 2012. Before the accident nuclear power represented almost 30% of the Japanese electricity production. The compensation of the electricity loss was made through an attempt to curb the electricity consumption and through a massive use of fossil fuels to produce electricity. Figures show that the policy of reduction of electricity consumption has allowed Japanese utilities to manage consumption peaks more and less satisfactorily and that the reduction of the consumption was only of 5%. The imports of fossil fuels have increased by 28% which has led to a negative trade balance since march 2011. The last elections have brought to power a right party traditionally favorable to nuclear power. (A.C.)