Insights from review and analysis of the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident

Abstract

An unprecedented earthquake and tsunami struck the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plants on 11 March 2011. Although extensive efforts have been continuing on investigations into the causes and consequences of the accident, and the Japanese Government has presented a comprehensive report on the accident in the IAEA Ministerial Conference held in June 2011, there is still much to be clarified on what happened during the accident and why. This article aims at identifying what should be clarified further about the progression of the accident at Units 1–3 through the review and analysis of information released from Tokyo Electric Power Company and government authorities. It also discusses the safety issues raised by the accident based on the insights gained, in order to contribute to establishing a new framework that pursues continuous improvement toward the highest standards of safety that can reasonably be achieved.