Fukushima stakes future on renewables

Japanese prefecture opens hydrogen power plant, 9 years after triple disaster

A man offering prayers by the sea in Minamisoma in memory of those killed by the Fukushima disaster of nine years ago. A man praying on the beach in Iwaki as Japan marked the anniversary of the Fukushima disaster. Across Japan, people observed a minu
A man offering prayers by the sea in Minamisoma in memory of those killed by the Fukushima disaster of nine years ago. A man praying on the beach in Iwaki as Japan marked the anniversary of the Fukushima disaster. Across Japan, people observed a minute of silence at 2.46pm yesterday - the time nine years ago when a magnitude 9.0 earthquake triggered 14m-high monster waves that caused nuclear meltdowns in three reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. PHOTOS: REUTERS
A board in Tokyo with messages mourning the victims of the March 11, 2011 quake and tsunami disaster that killed thousands and set off a nuclear crisis.
A board in Tokyo with messages mourning the victims of the March 11, 2011 quake and tsunami disaster that killed thousands and set off a nuclear crisis. PHOTOS: REUTERS
A man offering prayers by the sea in Minamisoma in memory of those killed by the Fukushima disaster of nine years ago. A man praying on the beach in Iwaki as Japan marked the anniversary of the Fukushima disaster. Across Japan, people observed a minu
A man offering prayers by the sea in Minamisoma in memory of those killed by the Fukushima disaster of nine years ago. PHOTOS: REUTERS
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The Japanese prefecture of Fukushima is staking its future on renewable energy, taking the lead in a country that is not just squarely wedded to coal-fired power but also reluctant to give up nuclear energy.

This despite the anniversary yesterday of the devastating triple tragedy nine years ago.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 12, 2020, with the headline Fukushima stakes future on renewables. Subscribe