EDITORIAL | To Avoid a Disaster-Level Power Shortage, Activate Nuclear Plants

Temperatures this summer are expected to be even more torrid than usual. As a consequence, Japan is suddenly facing nationwide electrical power supply shortages. 

On July 8, for example, the use of air conditioners nationwide surged. Then the reserve margin temporarily fell below 3% in areas served by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO). Both regions had to draw on power from Nagoya-based Chubu Electric Power Company (Chuden). The reserve margin indicates the amount of reserve capacity, and 3% is considered the minimum margin required to ensure a stable power supply.

Meanwhile, the hottest part of the summer is just beginning. Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Ken Saito addressed the power supply situation at a July 9 press conference. He said, "With the searing heat expected to continue, we must remain cautious." Hopefully, the electric power companies will continue to remain vigilant. They should do everything possible to maintain a stable supply of electrical power for their customers.

Safe Power Supply Margins

For the first time in three years, METI is postponing requesting power saving this summer by all 10 electric power districts. That is because, even though a heatwave on a level seen only once every 10 years is expected, they project that the power companies will be able to maintain a stable reserve ratio above 3%. Nonetheless, the energy crunch on July 8 indicates that concerns about supply capacity remain. 

On the same day, the Organization for Cross-Regional Coordination of Transmission Operators, Japan took action. It coordinates electrical supply and demand nationwide. OCCTO instructed Chuden's power transmission and distribution company to transfer electricity to areas served by TEPCO and KEPCO. 

They also asked power generation companies to cooperate by increasing their power generation. Thereafter JERA, a joint venture between TEPCO and Chuden, responded positively. 

Despite the forecast that the reserve ratio will remain stable above 3%, it could be very close. For Tokyo, Tohoku, and Hokkaido, the reserve ratio is projected to be only 4.1% in July. 

Meanwhile, thermal power plants that have been shut down for regular inspections will start back online one after another during the second half of July. Consequently, the reserve rates for Tohoku and Hokkaido are later expected to rise to 8.0% and 10.5%, respectively. Nevertheless, part of this supply capacity comes from thermal power plants that are old and at risk of breaking down. If that were to occur, supply shortages would likely increase. 

Nuclear Power Restarts Inexcusably Slow

A major reason for the uncertainty about the electric power supply capacity for East Japan is the fact that not a single nuclear power plant is currently in operation within the region. 

Restart of Tohoku Electric's No 2 reactor at the Onagawa Nuclear Power Plant in Miyagi Prefecture has also been delayed. It is now expected sometime around September. Meanwhile, there is no clear timeline for restarting TEPCO's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant in Niigata Prefecture. 

The hot temperatures we have experienced in recent summers have been characterized as "disaster level." Unfortunately, should there be an electric power shortage at the height of summer, it could be life-threatening for many individuals. 

To strengthen our supply capacity, we should move steadily towards restarting inactive nuclear power plants that have been confirmed safe to operate.

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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun