More than 30 percent of 109 major Japanese companies polled believe that renewable energy will constitute a viable alternative to nuclear power.

According to the results of the poll released Saturday, only three companies believe there is no alternative, indicating that business circles are becoming increasingly optimistic that Japan will be able to minimize its reliance on nuclear energy in the future.

Asked what will replace nuclear power, 35 companies said renewable energy in the form of solar or wind power, while 10 firms said thermal power.