Local News

The Kyushu Economic Research Center (KERC) released its regional GDP estimates for Kyushu in fiscal 2012, declaring a ¥527.2 billion drop due to the direct impact of the shuttered nuclear power plants in Genkai Town, Saga and Satsumasendai City, Kagoshima. KERC calculated estimates based on Kyushu Electric Power’s balance of payments in FY2010 and FY2012 and found ¥442.8 billion in added fuel expenses for coal-fired power plants and purchases of electricity from other utilities as well as a ¥77 billion decrease in capital investment. All told, this translates to a 1.2% decline in regional GDP compared to 2010. According to Masahiro Tashiro, the head of research at KERC, “Kyushu’s nuclear power plants have been confirmed as safe. If they are not restarted soon, economic losses will grow.” Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 3/6