Remembering Fukushima Nuclear Disaster

 

 

As Japan mourns on the third anniversary of Fukushima Nuclear Disaster on March 11^th, nations are once again thrown into a contemplative mode about the prospects of nuclear power. An earth quake of magnitude 9 hit the Fukushima Daiichin Nuclear Power Plant resulting in melt down of three nuclear reactors. Since then radiations started seeping from the nuclear reactors into the Pacific Ocean. It was level 7 on International Nuclear Event Scale, major accident after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, Ukraine. The accident resulted in the release of two types of radioactive elements- Cesium 134 and Strontium 90. Nearly one fourth of power requirements of Japan come from the nuclear plants.

The Japanese authorities even now are plagued by five major problems. Firstly there has been an increase in incidence of thyroid cancer among children under 18 in the Fukushima prefecture. Second, the problem is storing of the tons of water that has become radioactive as it is poured over the molten fuel every day to keep it cool. The problem has compounded as the existing temporary water storage tanks on–site has started developing cracks and the water is slowly seeping into Pacific Ocean. This is raising concerns about the contamination of the aquatic life underneath. Thirdly, the reactor operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) is currently faced with the problem of moving the spent fuel rods from nuclear reactor 4 to a safer location as the building housing the reactor has been damaged by a hydrogen blast. Fourthly, locating the molten fuel in reactors 1, 2, 3 resting in the basements of the buildings since there is a severe dearth of technology that can remove the molten fuel. Finally, they may run out the skilled talent as workers at power plant have a radiation exposure limit. Once they reach the limit they can no longer work. Over a period of time workers who are skilled might soon run out of their limit leading to scarcity of the skilled workers.

Apart from the technical difficulties encountered by the operator this disaster had severely crippled and impacted the lives of people who are living in areas adjacent to Fukushima. It has taken a psychological toll on people. Parents are deeply ingrained with fears of radiations and thus restricted the access of children to outdoors. Due to the lack of outdoor activity children are more stressed up, their physical strength has been highly affected and obesity levels have peaked up. Adults who have lost their houses and employment are dying from anxiety and from suicide. Though there were no fatalities directly nearly 1 lakh people were displaced and 1650 passed away from complications related to stress and other problems. People are very worried about the incidence of cancer and other non-symptomatic diseases due to the radiation exposure.

Before the deadly Tsunami stuck the island, there were about 432 nuclear power plants in 30 countries accounting for 11% of World’s electricity. Following the disaster, Japan has decided to pull back its nuclear power plants. Now nearly 48 nuclear reactors have been shutdown and its restart program is waiting for a nod from the Japan’s parliament. The event assumes a greater significance not only for Japan in terms of the financial damage but also greatly impacted world’s perspective about the use of nuclear power as reliable energy source.

U.S Energy Information Agency (EIA) predicts a 56% increase in energy consumption by 2040 globally. Of which nearly 85% of increase in this global energy demand comes from the developing nations outside non-OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) driven by strong economic growth and expanding populations. Data indicates that renewable energy sources and nuclear power are the most rapidly growing energy sources each increasing at the rate of 2.5% per year. World Energy Outlook way back in 2009 stressed the reliance of nuclear power in meeting energy requirements as it reduces country’s energy dependence on imported gas supply, curbs CO2 emissions and since its fuel Uranium is abundantly available, governments needs to play stronger role in facilitating private investments. Post Fukushima accident, though there has been a weaker acceptance of nuclear power supply. Globally the safety measures have been reviewed and most of the non-OECD members are moving ahead with plans of installing new nuclear reactors. In Japan, since the shutdown of nuclear plants in 2011 there has been spike in the green gas house emissions and it now imports more than 90% of energy from other countries.

Energy crisis is going to heighten in years to come as several nations have begun their journey towards building their economies. With the result there would be greater thrust on the existing scarce fossil fuel sources. It is believed that fossil fuels are expected to supply energy to a tune of 80% till 2040. If nations continue to rely predominantly on the fossil fuels as energy sources carbon emissions are expected to soar by 46% by 2040. Hence in spite of the impending dangers to nations in case of nuclear disasters, countries are forced to engage in building nuclear reactors as it is the cheapest, reliable and environmental friendly energy source.

Several nations have revamped their energy policies after the Fukushima event. Germany is the first country to shut down eight of its oldest reactors. It is reviewing its energy policy and decided to invest on renewable energy source. By 2022 it aims to phase out all its nuclear power plants. Switzerland too followed similar suit and determined not to install any new nuclear plant and pull down its units by 2034 in spite of referendum where people voted for more nuclear power plants. France and US on the other hand are undeterred and reaffirmed their plans to enhance their electricity production from nuclear sources. Both the nations are now heavily investing in safety improvements.

Even the BRIC countries are aiming at boosting their nuclear power production. While India wants to derive 25% of its electricity, Russia aims at getting 45% of its electricity from nuclear power by 2050. Brazil is planning to start 5 nuclear reactors by 2030. China which is under scanner for its outrageous pollution levels is mulling to triple its nuclear power production by 2020. Nations are gearing themselves for more nuclear plants but post Fukushima they have become more vigilant about the safety measures. These include extensive geological survey of the site of construction-whether it falls in earth quake prone region, its proximity to coastal region etc.

Fukushima event has come under international scanner as Japan has bid Tokyo as venue for summer Olympics 2020. It has become matter of contention as representatives from across the World have expressed their serious reservations about possible health risks since Tokyo falls within the 150 mile radius of the nuclear fallout  and radiation exposure was a cause of worry. But the  Japan Prime Minister  Shinzo Abe could successfully convince the International Olympic Committee (IOC) with the result its bid has been accepted.

 

 

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