The significance, both domestically and globally, of the third largest nuclear power program in the world not generating any electricity from its nuclear reactors for nearly 18 months is more than symbolic. It unequivocally demonstrates that nuclear energy, contrary to government and power company claims, is not an indispensible energy source.
The reality in Japan is mirrored globally, the disaster accelerating the decades long decline of an already outdated and noncompetitive technology.7
The catastrophic nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which began on 11 March 2011, not only crippled four of the reactors at the site, but also vividly and tragically illustrated the vulnerabilities of Japan’s nuclear power dependency. Heightened awareness of nuclear risks and the problems associated with the nation’s reactors led to the long-term shut down of all fifty10 of Japan’s remaining nuclear reactors.
