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Post-Fukushima Japan: The continuing nuclear controversy

Author

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  • Fam, Shun Deng
  • Xiong, Jieru
  • Xiong, Gordon
  • Yong, Ding Li
  • Ng, Daniel

Abstract

The Fukushima disaster was a wake-up call for the nuclear industry as well as a shocking revelation of the inner workings of the Japanese power sector. The political fallout from the event was far-reaching, pushing governments into abandoning nuclear expansion, turning instead to fossil fuels and renewable energy alternatives. While the move away from nuclear energy was deemed a move critical to political survival in Europe, we find that political candidates running on anti-nuclear platforms did not win elections, while the pro-nuclear Liberal Democratic Party won government in the 2012 elections. Against this backdrop, we analyse the energy conflict in Japan using a framework of values versus interests and consider the regulatory and cultural conditions that contributed to the disaster. A number of considerations lie in the way of an organised phase-out of nuclear power in Japan. We also consider the possible policy paths Japan may take.

Suggested Citation

  • Fam, Shun Deng & Xiong, Jieru & Xiong, Gordon & Yong, Ding Li & Ng, Daniel, 2014. "Post-Fukushima Japan: The continuing nuclear controversy," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 199-205.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:68:y:2014:i:c:p:199-205
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2014.01.014
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    Cited by:

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    2. Portugal-Pereira, J. & Ferreira, P. & Cunha, J. & Szklo, A. & Schaeffer, R. & Araújo, M., 2018. "Better late than never, but never late is better: Risk assessment of nuclear power construction projects," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 120(C), pages 158-166.
    3. Andrzej T. Szablewski, 2015. "Czy rozwijać energetykę jądrową w Polsce?," Gospodarka Narodowa. The Polish Journal of Economics, Warsaw School of Economics, issue 1, pages 27-54.
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