-
Period: to
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant History and Important Events
-
Theory of Relativity
Albert Einstein, nobel prize winning physicts, introduces his now famous special theory of relativity. Known famously asthe mathematical formula E=mc2, or energy equals mass multiplied by the speed of light squared. This help prove the point that mass could be turned into energy, this would later be key in nuclear power. -
Nuclear Fission
Physicists Otto Hahn splits uranium atoms in a process known as fission. The mass of the split amounts converts into energy, this is known as fisison. It proved Einstien's theory, and would form the bases for nuclear power and bombs. -
First Reactor
In the basement of the University of Chicago Italian Pyhsicts Enrico Fermi, creates the first simple nuclear reactor with the help of students. Would serve as the orginal model of reactors to common, including the Fukushima reactors. -
International Atomic Energy Agency Funded
The International Atomic Energy Agency is created by 18 funding countries in order to promote safe usage of Nuclear energy. It would become somewhat of a governing body when regarding nuclear power. -
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Funded
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant founded in 1971 with 6 nuclear reactors, and would go on for the next forty years, to be haunted by accidents and mistakes. -
First Accident, Fuel Rods
Fuel Rods in the number 3 reactor of the Fukushima Power plant causing a nuclear reaction. The air was tense, and it took about 7 hours to properly fix the fuel rods. This was almost a forbidding signal of times to come almost 40 years later. -
Chernobyl Disaster
The worst nuclear disaster ever which occured in Chernobyl. It left the city of Chernobyl in ruins, and inhabital until this day. It would change how people viewed nuclear power. In the following years, countires like Italy passed referendums and bills which phased out nuclear power. Japan did not follow suit, despite it's near accident in the 70's. This decison not to phase out nuclear power, would be one of the reasons of the follow out. -
The Meltdown
A massive earthquake hit Japan. Effecting mainly units 1, 2, and 3. The tsunami that followed was too much for the walls protecting the reactors and damaged the genitors that were shutting down the 1, 2, and 3 reacotrs. As time passed following the tsunami radiation started to flow out and melt downs were detected in units 1, 2, and 3. The radiation caused 1000’s to be evacuated, and spoiled the 2011 harvest. Heavy backlash against nuclear power, leaving only 2 power plants out of 20 working. -
Initial Evacuation
The Japanese goverment orders an evacuation of people living within 10 kilometers of the power plants. Leaving many homeless until this day. A week later people within 20 kilometers were evacuated, and the a week after that 30 kilometers. 58,000 people have still not made it home. -
Vegetable Failure, Water Pollution, and Bussinesses.
Fukushima vegetables test for 11 times the normal amount of radioactive isotpes, and shipments are halthed. Greatly affecting the economy of the area. The same day Japanese officals state that the water in large cities such as Tokyo is far too radioactive to be healthy for infants. 20% of all business within 30 kilometers of Fukushima had not resumed business causing an even greator economic impact. -
Tokyo Electric Power Company announces increases in Radioactivity
Tokyo Electric Power Company,TEPCO, states that Radioactive Caesium was 90 times higher than their last test and that it there was a high chance it was spreading into the Pacific Ocean. Which leads to farther contimination of the area, people, and spread of the radioactive pollution. -
Solutions
Minister Toshimitsu Motegi approved the creation of a structure to develop the technologies and processes necessary to dismantle the four reactors of Fukushima. Finally putting to paper an acutal attempt to dismantle the reactors for the first time in two years. -
Removing damaged rods
Japanese workers start removing damaged rods from the reactors which were not badly damaged, the process that was suppose to take about a year. Continues to this day. Leading the Japanese people to countine questioning TEPCO and their work. -
Prevention
Japanese scientist anounce their plan for aa controlled nuclear meltdown in order to prevent disasters like the Fukushima one. THe plan is met with great backlash by the people of Japan. -
Nuclear Fallout Reaches the States
After almost four years, the nuclear fallout in the waters of the coast of Japan, has finally reached the western coast of the USA through the paific ocean.
