Nuclear power: If Japan and Germany don't need it, why does anyone?

The world's third and fourth biggest economies have abandoned plans for new reactors, believing renewables and efficiency can fill the gap. If the third and fourth biggest economies in the world believe they can cut their carbon emissions and keep the lights on without building nuclear power stations, then why can't the sixth? That's the question I am asking after Japan (3rd) yesterday followed Germany (4th) in abandoning their plans for a new generation of nuclear reactors in the aftermath of the catastrophe at Fukushima. In contrast, the UK (6th) remains committed to building a new fleet of reactors.

The question may soon become even more stark if a referendum in Italy (7th) next month also cancels their future nuclear programme.

Source: The Guardian