As we all feel grieved over the tragic earthquake and Tsunami that hit parts of Japan this year we also wonder whether such events change perspectives on use of Nuclear Energy because of the subsequent Fukushima accident.

In fact, since the birth of nuclear power (in early 50s), there has been permanently various debates surrounding the use of this energy, which have been extremely politicized and often intertwined with national and international security concerns as well as economic arguments. Meanwhile public opinion on the issue has fluctuated over the years often following marked trends in the wake of nuclear accidents such as the Three Mile Island accident in 1979, the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and now the still unfolding series of Fukushima accident.

This panel will address different aspects linked to this issue. The panel will deal in particular with the following topics,

– Impact on opinions about Nuclear Energy.
As the Fukushima accident had a considerable media echo and had real damaging effects for the environment, it is clear that the event jolted global views on nuclear energy, and switched sides from favouring to opposing nuclear power. To this regard, the results of recent Win-Gallup snap poll is very informative and will be analysed.

– Energy supplies strategies and Political consequences
Energy supplies constitute a major stake for the most part of the countries of the world, and nuclear energy is considered as one of the possible options to solve their energetic equation. Therefore, the question of the nuclear power has become a key political issue in several countries, in particular from electoral point of view. In Europe, this is particularly the case in Germany, but also in some other major countries such as France and Italy. The panel will be an opportunity to review the current situation in this field.

– Safety of Nuclear Power Plants
The Fukushima accident has clearly raised concerns on safety features of current nuclear reactors. To this regard, European countries have initiated “Stress tests” programs on nuclear reactors, and European Commission recently issued guidelines on such program. From 1 June 2011 onwards, all 143 nuclear power plants in the EU will be re-assessed using EU wide criteria which embrace both natural and man made hazards. These topics will be also addressed during the panel.