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Learning the lessons of Fukushima
There have now been explosions at four of the reactors at the Fukushima Dai-ichi
nuclear power plant in Japan that were damaged by Fridayˇ¦s deadly earthquake and
tsunami. The disaster has pushed us into completely new territory, and the
multiple safeguards incorporated into the design of nuclear power stations and
related response measures are being put to the test like never before.
The potential reactor core meltdowns threaten serious radiation leakage, but at
this stage it is impossible to know how serious the contamination might be or
how far it will spread. The Japanese government has announced a 30km exclusion
zone, evacuated several hundred thousand residents and advised others to stay
indoors.
Geographically, Taiwan is one of Japanˇ¦s closest neighbors. It is also similarly
prone to earthquakes and has three active nuclear power plants in coastal areas,
and a fourth, not yet operational, located on a seismic fault line. Little
wonder then that the Taiwanese have taken more than a passing interest as events
unfold in Japan.
Indeed, after the earthquake hit Japan, the tsunami early warning system
included the northeast coast of Taiwan, which is where plants one and two are
located, and the fourth is being built. The issue of whether radioactive fallout
will be blown in the direction of Taiwan has also become something of a hot
topic.
Like the Fukushima plant, Taiwanˇ¦s three active nuclear power plants house
boiling water reactors. Although the basic design principles are the same, the
Fukushima plant was built in the 1950s, two or three decades before plants one
and two were constructed in Taiwan. For this reason, our plants employed more
stringent safeguards and better construction materials.
The developing drama in Fukushima highlights the folly of past designs that
failed to factor in tsunamis. The government needs to take heed of this failing
and make the necessary modifications before we, too, fall prey to inadequate
planning.
In addition, the public response to nuclear plant disaster drills in Taiwan is
pretty lackluster. The relevant government departments have been somewhat remiss
in providing adequate guidance in this regard, and have not really succeeded in
impressing upon the populace the importance of disaster prevention. These drills
will have to be taken more seriously.
In Taiwan, the nuclear power debate has tended to be a tug-of-war between the
pro and anti-nuclear lobbies. When there are concerns about energy supplies, the
former makes ground, but this only makes the latter more vocal. The recent
emphasis on carbon emission reduction and rising oil prices gave the upper hand
to the pro-nuclear lobby, but the Fukushima incident has reopened the debate on
safety.
In light of events in Japan, the government needs to review its nuclear power
policy. At a bare minimum we need to question the advisability of building a
plant on an active fault line.
Then there is the issue of whether we should be extending the operational life
of existing plants already past their shelf life. Is there a viable alternative
to nuclear power? What options are available when it comes to reinforcing
existing safeguards at active nuclear plants? How can emergency response
measures be improved, and how can drills be instigated to ensure greater public
awareness and familiarity?
Fukushima has had to withstand a challenge unprecedented in the history of the
nuclear power industry, but we have the advantage of learning from that
experience, by reviewing and improving existing policies and facilities.
If we are not prepared the next time there is a disaster of this magnitude, it
will not be a natural disaster, it will be one of our own making.
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