Japan’s Nuclear Plants Stable in Wake of Earthquake
Reports of a 7.3 magnitude earthquake in Japan Friday sparked fears of a tsunami and potential nuclear plant damage, with the impact of the 9.0 magnitude 2011 Tohoku earthquake and ensuing Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster still being felt in Japan’s energy landscape a year and a half later.
The latest quake occurred east of Sendai, Japan, not far from where the 2011 quake occurred, and authorities issued a tsunami warning that was lifted about two hours after the temblor struck. There were no reports of deaths or significant damage.
Nuclear plants closest to the epicenter were reporting no problems, according to a statement released by the International Atomic Energy Agency. The statement noted that the quake led to a 1-meter (3.3-foot) rise in sea level in some places, but no emergency measures were activated.
Japan’s nuclear plants remain largely dormant after the Fukushima disaster led to enduring controversy about the future of nuclear power in the country. Just hours before the quake, Japan’s nuclear regulatory agency said it could restart additional reactors as early as next summer. Currently just two of the country’s 50 employable reactors are online; those were restarted in July amid protests. (See related story: “Japan’s Nuclear Restart Generates Power, Protest“)
As a parliamentary election approaches Dec. 16, a senior member of Japan’s opposition party, Hiroyuki Hosoda, has called for a restart of reactors as soon as they are deemed safe. Nuclear power provided approximately one third of Japan’s electric power before the 2011 quake, and Japan has relied on imports of LNG, efficiency measures, and development of renewables to make up the shortfall. Japan recently has been in conflict with China over potential oil and gas assets beneath the East China Sea, which could provide Japan with its first significant store of domestic fossil fuel. (See related story: “Why Are China and Japan Sparring Over Eight Tiny, Uninhabited Islands?“)
Related Topics
Go Further
Animals
- These 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animalsThese 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animals
- These photos are works of art—and the artists are bugsThese photos are works of art—and the artists are bugs
- The epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfishThe epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfish
- Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75
Environment
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
- The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?
- The most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater weldersThe most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater welders
- The harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to surviveThe harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to survive
History & Culture
- Why Swedish children celebrate Easter by dressing up as witchesWhy Swedish children celebrate Easter by dressing up as witches
- Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’
- A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.
- Meet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural iconMeet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural icon
Science
- LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?
- NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.
- Humans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying themHumans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying them
- Why engineers are concerned about aging infrastructureWhy engineers are concerned about aging infrastructure
Travel
- Why you should try beach-hopping by boat around Paxos, GreeceWhy you should try beach-hopping by boat around Paxos, Greece
- Mansion museums show visitors the gritty side of the Gilded AgeMansion museums show visitors the gritty side of the Gilded Age
- 2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip