The rise of solar power in Germany is directly related to the country's phase-out of nuclear power plants -- however in Japan, the issue of nuclear power is back in the news.

ENGADGET: Inhabitat's Week in Green: rise of solar power, cardboard forts and a Death Star ping pong ball

In 2002 the then centre-left government said it would phase out nuclear power by 2022.

ECONOMIST: Nuclear power

If Japan were to phase out its nuclear power fleet, it would likely ramp up production from its natural gas-fired and coal power plants.

FORBES: The Carbon Costs of Replacing Japan's Nuclear Power