Japan faces future of energy shortages without nuclear

Demand, demand, demand.  That's the keyword with regard to what we as a global society are facing in terms of energy.  More people with more things that need more energy.  And as Japan shuts down its nuclear plants  hastily and short-sightedly, they're leading the way in showing where we shouldn't be going. 


Japan nuclear disaster:  crisis-hit country mulls shift to renewable energy

"Many believe Japan has little choice but to restart nuclear reactors even in the face of  spirited public opposition. Utilities predict power supplies could fall 16 percent below demand in western Japan during the summer peak.

The government is eager to restart some reactors in coming months if it can persuade  skeptical local leaders and residents that they are safe.

"The bottom line is that without nuclear power Japan will have a very hard time meeting demand," said Paul Scalise, a fellow at the University of Tokyo who specializes in Japan's energy sector."