Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster

Many places around the world have nuclear power plants. They are used to create steam which drives a steam turbine connected to a generator in order to produce electricity. All this is done using a nuclear reactor as the main heating source. Japan has a huge plant called Fukushima Daiichi. In 2011 something terrible happened there that effected not only the plant but the citizens of japan as well.

         On March 11, 2011 an earthquake hit the east coast of northern Japan. It was said that it was one of the largest earthquakes in the history of the world. This was devastating enough for japan but this was not the only natural disaster to strike that day. The earthquake was so large it generated a tsunami. The tsunami is what effected the power plant. It disabled the power and cooling supply of three of the Fukushima reactors. They melted after three days. High radioactive material was released from the plant into society. It was the largest accident since Chernobyl. It measured a 7 on the international nuclear event scale. The tsumani went over the plants seawall and flooded the room where the emergency generators were located. The diesel generators failed, thus stopping the power to the pump that was circulating coolant water to the Generator II reactor for many days to keep it from melting. The emergency pumps ran out a day later and the reactors started to overheat. Then numerous hydrogen-air chemical explosions occurred. In Unit 1-3 of the plant zirconium fuel cladding-water reaction was producing 800-1000kg of hydrogen gas and when everything began to melt and be released from the reactor pressure vessel it was mixed with air creating the explosions. Although no one died due to the plant disaster, scientists and doctors believe that the risk of cancer is at a much higher rate in the areas surrounding the plant, due to the release of radioactive material. there was a major evacuation of the area after the incident. Due to transportation, new living arrangements, and hospital closures due to the earthquake, 1,600 people died as of August 2013. World Health Organization did a report after the event. They stated that people living in the areas surrounding Fukushima now have a higher risk of thyroid cancer for women, and some cancer risks for babies and infants. Not many for men or children due to the type of radiation. tFemale babies exposed are now at a 6% chance of breast cancer and a 70% chance of thyroid cancer. Male babies are at 7% chance of getting leukemia.
              After this all occurred, Japan elected a commission group to investigate what went on at Fukushima. What they found was surprising. They believe that the whole disaster could have been avoided. The commission says that Fukushima was not built to withstand earthquakes or tsunamis properly. Nothing was done to prepare. They said three things needed to be done. 1. asses the probability of damage 2. prepare for collateral damage from a disaster and 3. set up evacuation plans for the towns surrounding Fukushima in the event of a disaster. In 2013 a report that water was being contaminated by nuclear radiation came to the attention of the government. The water near the plant was searched and sure enough a few storage tanks were leaking. It was studied and proven to be a very low amount that as of right now will not be a threat.
            Japan is now strategizing new ways to power the country. They are trying to ease off of nuclear power to diminish the probability of more incidents. Japan has working on switching over to renewable energy generation. This has increased 2.08 million kw in 2012. This is the amount that three power plants would produce. Wind energy has become more prominent. Near shore and off shore turbines have been established. In 2012 the wind power generation capacity was 63,000kW. Biomass generation capacity has also been used and is growing. In 2013 it has increased 38,000 kW. They are using hydroelectric power plants. They are being set up in mountain streams, rivers, and public water supplies. Water goes into pipes and turns small turbines. It is a small amount of electricity produced, but comes in handy when powering mountain offices and restrooms for hikers and tourists. Solar power has also gone up. Geothermal and hydropower however have been little to none. Right now Japan is relying on thermal energy as the main source; but are working to have renewable energy as the main source. The plan however is going to take 30-40 years. Japans next step is to find ways to keep these alternative sources going and make them stronger.


Sources:

 

"Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Oct. 2013. Web. 16 Oct. 2013.

 

"Workers Reconnect Fukushima Pipe." Fukushima Accident. World Nuclear News, 10 Oct. 2013. Web. 16 Oct. 2013.

 

Connel, Sean. "Checking In on Japan's Renewable Energy Capacity." Green Conduct News. Green Conduct, 27 Aug. 2013. Web. 16 Oct. 2013.

 

News, Penza. "Alternative Energy Sources Won’t Fully Cover Japan’s Energy Needs – Analysis." Eurasia Review. N.p., 26 July 2013. Web. 16 Oct. 2013.

 

"Japan's Alternative Energy Initiative - Wind Power Generation & Technology." Japan Alternative Energy Initiative. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2013.