THE PROSPECTS OF NUCLEAR POWER TECHNOLOGY EXPORTS IN THE PACIFIC BASIN COUNTRIES IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE 2011 FUKUSHIMA ACCIDENT

摘要

In the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima accident, many countries modified their approach regarding further expansion of nuclear power, pointing out to safety risks, problems with public perceptions, unresolved issues with nuclear spent fuel disposal, skyrocketing construction prices, and issues related to climate and environment, deciding to phase-out nuclear power and replace it by more desirable renewable solar and wind power or other non-nuclear power. This paper analyzes the negative effects of the 2011 Fukushima accident on further expansion of nuclear power in five Pacific Basin countries: USA. China, Russia, Japan, and South Korea, and their competing prospects of exporting nuclear power technology around the world, that are facing challenges related to non-proliferation issues, local infrastructure development, financial support and expertise.