The 2011 Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Accident

1. The Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant accident

• Abstract
• 1.1 Introduction
• 1.2 Energy production in Japan
• 1.3 The Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant
• 1.4 The Tohoku Area Pacific Offshore Earthquake and tsunami
• 1.5 Nuclear power safety and disaster prevention systems in Japan
• 1.6 Conclusions

2. The Fukushima nuclear power plant accident: the main sequence of events

• Abstract
• 2.1 Introduction
• 2.2 Outline of primary facilities at the Fukushima plant
• 2.3 The sequence of events from earthquake and tsunami to station blackout (SBO)
• 2.4 Possible damage caused by the earthquake
• 2.5 The condition of Unit 1 after SBO
• 2.6 The condition of Unit 3 after SBO
• 2.7 The condition of Unit 2 after SBO
• 2.8 Sequence of events leading to hydrogen explosions in Units 1, 3, and 4
• 2.9 The process of water injection into the spent fuel pools
• 2.10 How the accident might have been avoided
• 2.11 Background to nuclear power generation
• 2.12 Conclusions

3. The response of central and local government agencies to the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident

• Abstract
• 3.1 Introduction
• 3.2 Central government: key responsibilities and preparatory measures
• 3.3 The response and preparedness of the central government
• 3.4 Local government: key responsibilities
• 3.5 Conclusions: key lessons and improvements needed
• Appendix Government offices and organizations

4. The response of the plant owner/operator (TEPCO) to the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident

• Abstract
• 4.1 Introduction
• 4.2 Accident management by Fukushima's nuclear plant owner and operator, TEPCO
• 4.3 TEPCO's risk assessment and safety planning documentation at the Fukushima plant
• 4.4 Assessing the postaccident responses of TEPCO
• 4.5 Why procedures were inadequate: organizational problems within TEPCO
• 4.6 Conclusions

5. Evacuation and decontamination in response to the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident

• Abstract
• 5.1 Introduction
• 5.2 Evacuation of local residents
• 5.3 Predicting and monitoring the leak of radioactive material after the Fukushima accident
• 5.4 The impact of nuclear radiation on the human body
• 5.5 Assessing the evacuation process in response to the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident
• 5.6 Radioactivity, radioactive material, and radiation
• 5.7 Benefits and challenges of evacuation
• 5.8 Effectiveness of methods to decontaminate the site and local area
• 5.9 Conclusions: key lessons learned in the evacuation, return, and decontamination at Fukushima's nuclear power plant

6. Learning from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident

• Abstract
• 6.1 Introduction
• 6.2 Learning from accidents: key findings from the official investigation
• 6.3 Recommendations for improving the safe design and operation of NPPs
• 6.4 Comparing the Fukushima accident with other nuclear incidents
• 6.5 Reflections from the Chairman of the official Investigation Committee on the accident at the Fukushima NPP
• 6.6 Conclusions

7. The future of nuclear power generation after the Fukushima accident

• Abstract
• 7.1 Introduction
• 7.2 Restarting the Fukushima plant
• 7.3 Conclusions: the future of nuclear power in Japan