Arab News Japan

TOKYO: About 50 Japanese protested in front of Japan’s parliament on Friday against the plan to extend the operational life of Japanese nuclear power plants from 40 to 60 years.

A government committee on green energy met on Thursday and is expected to approve of the longer operating cycle for the nuclear power plants.

People from Fukushima who had to leave their homes after the 2011 nuclear disaster spoke in front of the Diet and the official residence of the Prime Minister, saying that people are still suffering from the consequences of the accident. 

Environmental associations pointed out that extending the aging technology of the power stations beyond 40 years entails risks.

In a joint declaration, 22 environmental organizations, including the Citizen Information Center on Nuclear Power, referred to accidents at the Mihama nuclear power plant, which cost the lives of 11 people due to aging cables and piping.  

The decision of the committee should be submitted to parliament early next year.