Japan

The target is 7.5 million kilowatts by 2023.

Many power generation facilities have been constructed or are under development in Asia. Thus, many plant personnel will encounter issues related to water/steam chemistry.

Generous feed-in tariff entices Gunze Ltd to venture into solar.

A government report says it rests on an active earthquake fault line.

Only a few existing power plants expected to meet the safety rules.

Japan will support seven projects that generate electricity from hot springs.

Plant to begin operating in mid-2014.

Imports of thermal coal and crude oil also rise significantly.

Partner will be the US Department of Energy.

Government agency claims Japan can save up to US$20 billion by restarting half its nuclear reactors.

New safety measures to be finalized by July.

Japan's Kashiwazaki Kariwa nuclear power plant may be closed due to an active fault.

Electricity market reform moves slowly in Japan. Recently, however, the Japanese government further clarified its position and called for legal unbundling in the sector – one of the options previously proposed for breaking up the electricity industry.

Japan's Hitachi Zosen Corp. will acquire NAC International Inc., a U.S. nuclear fuel cycle consultancy that manages spent fuel.

Imports of liquefied natural gas soar to a record 87 million tons in 2012.

Measures will be introduced to protect Japanese nuclear power facilities against natural disasters and terrorism.