Japan: Policy without nuclear energy difficult

Japan would find it difficult to formulate an energy policy without nuclear power, given the country's lack of energy resources and the high cost of utilities for companies and households.

Yuko Obuchi, the country's new minister of economy, trade and industry, made the remarks on Sunday. Obuchi is the daughter of former prime minister Keizo Obuchi.

It is expected that she will help prepare public opinion for the resumption of operations at nuclear power plants that were suspended after the tsunami-triggered nuclear disaster in March 2011.

"It is important for Japan, a nation with scarce resources, to keep a good energy balance. It would be difficult to pick an option with no nuclear reactors when we think about our energy policy in the long run," Obuchi said.

The minister reiterated the government's intention to restart operations at nuclear power plants once they clear new safety standards.

She said that Japan's imports of fossil fuels have soared by 10 billion yen ($91.8 million) a day compared with before the 2011 disaster, and that utility costs have risen 20 percent for households.