Global industry response to Fukushima
The nuclear industry worldwide is continuing its coordinated global response to the Fukushima accident and aftermath.
In more than 30 countries, the nuclear industry is working through its associations and through international regulatory bodies to ensure nuclear energy provides an even safer, reliable energy solution to meet the challenges of climate change, energy security and energy poverty.
One year on from the Fukushima accident, the industry world-wide is taking stock of the work being done to learn from the accident in which an unprecedented tsunami swamped emergency cooling systems at the Fukushima Daichi nuclear power station, causing fuel to melt in three reactors and resulting in large releases of radioactive material.
The plant operator, with advice from companies, regulators and nuclear experts from around the world, now has the three damaged reactors in a safe condition known as ‘cold shutdown’ and has begun working through its long term plan to clean up the site, recover the damaged fuel cores and decommission the reactors. This is expected to take many years.
The learning process also is not yet complete. Japanese authorities are expected to produce their final review reports on the accident and its lessons towards the middle of this year.
The Fukushima accident anniversary is a time for the nuclear industry, along with people around the world, to pause to reflect that the consequences of the natural disasters and the accident for the people of Japan remain serious, with much work still to do.
Combination of disasters hurt people of Fukushima
The Fukushima accident resulted from an unprecedented tsunami
Assessing the effects of Fukushima radiation
Overstating effects can cause harm
International support for Japan struggle
Agencies, countries, companies, assist Japan
Re-starting Japan's reactors
Now mostly idle, Japan 's 54 reactors represent nearly 30% of electricity capacity
Despite Fukushima, uranium industry remains strong
Driven by reactor growth, uranium sector looks to expand
Reactor fleet still growing
Fukushima lessons cause a pause, but more reactors are on the way
What industry leaders say about Fukushima's lessons
Fukushima anniversary prompts industry leaders to speak
Anniversary reinvigorates information effort
Links to key websites for information on Fukushima and the global response