When nuclear goes wrong

Peter M. Weiske, Stephen Dovers, William J. Durch and John Handmer

Chapter 4 in Re-imagining Risk and Disruption, 2026, pp 51-82 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter analyses the 2011 Fukushima nuclear incident to explore the risks associated with nuclear power, especially vis-à-vis the power of nature, the behaviour of corporations and politics and the measures available to reduce risk. Of particular interest is the combination of Naturogenic (seismic/tsunami event), technological, institutional and political causal factors, creating a complex unbounded problem (CUP). The Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami swarms damaged or destroyed key elements of the Fukushima nuclear power complex. They led to several cascading impacts which exceeded the operational tolerances of the reactors: loss of critical off-site and on-site power supply essential to the reactor, spent fuel rod cooling systems, reactor meltdowns, loss of containment, volatile gas explosions, radioactive fallout and vast amounts of radioactive water. The power plant vulnerabilities to seismic/tsunami impacts were known but underestimated and untreated. This was compounded by a limited fail-safe design for critical systems (although a standard design was followed), and issues with company management and safety culture. The design of evacuation routes and safe areas were based upon modelling for lower-level events, which during these events were promptly exceeded. Large numbers were displaced and the total damages now approach one trillion dollars. Organised crime saw the clean-up as an economic opportunity, with some actors apparently vulnerable to pressure from criminals seeking contracts. Still, gains have been made. Nuclear power plant facilities and their operators in Japan are more effectively scrutinised, and operational safety is much improved. This chapter considers other incidents and the wider issues in the nuclear power sector.

Keywords: Nuclear Power; Fukushima; Tsunami; Earthquake (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035375264
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