Japan's new energy policy to still include nuclear power

Japan will announce its new national energy policy next week that will confirm its inability to wean itself from nuclear power.

Economics Minister Motohisa Furukawa said the government had not taken any particular position on the role of nuclear power. The government, however, has hinted it might eliminate nuclear power by 2030, which is in stark contrast to its former national goal of deriving half of Japan's energy from nuclear power by 2030.

The Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster in March 2011 and the intense anti-nuclear energy protests it spawned has led to a complete turnaround in the government's nuclear policy.

The government is now considering three options for nuclear energy: cut nuclear power to zero as soon as possible; aim for 15% by 2030 or seek a 20% to 25% share by 2030. Many experts expect Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to choose the 15% option.

Furukawa suggested the government might sidestep the divisive question over the long-term role of nuclear in the energy mix.

"The government has not adopted any particular stance," he said.

Business has warned that an aggressive program to end nuclear power would significantly increase electricity prices and could push companies and jobs overseas.