Nuclear energy after Fukushima? Strong and independent national regulators
Nuclear energy after Fukushima? Strong and independent national regulators

Summary/Abstract: The accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan has re-opened discussions about the future of this industry in many countries. While those supporting nuclear energy point mainly to the enormous natural disaster that could not be predicted the opponents declare the inability to manage nuclear safety on a long-term basis. The article summarizes the main conclusions of the Japan National Diet investigation report that goes beyond the direct technical causes and equipment failures. It shows that the root causes of the accident are in institutional and cultural issues rather than in technical failures or natural conditions. Therefore, the roles and positions of national regulators providing independent nuclear safety oversight should be strengthened. A broader view on nuclear energy in the context of other types of industries is provided. Public acceptance of nuclear is different from other industries, since it is not tolerated that nuclear energy can learn from its mistakes. Though the event in Fukushima has lead to nuclear phase-out decisions in several countries, it does mean a full stop for nuclear energy.

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