Inside Japan’s Nuclear Exclusion Zone as AI Fuels Atomic Energy’s Comeback | WSJ

Following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan shut down all its nuclear reactors, leading to a complex and costly cleanup effort. However, with the rise of AI and its significant energy demands, Japan is now considering restarting its dormant nuclear reactors, balancing the need for energy with the risks associated with nuclear power, particularly in a seismically active region like Japan.

Fukushima Disaster & Cleanup

• 00:00:02 The 2011 earthquake and tsunami caused a meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, leading to the closure of all Japanese nuclear reactors. Tepco, the plant's operator, has been undertaking a massive cleanup operation that continues today, with costs exceeding $80 billion and still rising. The event highlighted the destructive potential of nuclear power and the long-term consequences of such disasters.

Nuclear Power Restart

• 00:02:49 Despite the Fukushima disaster, Japan is considering restarting its dormant nuclear reactors due to the increasing energy demands of AI and data centers. Companies like Tepco are seeking to secure lucrative contracts with technology firms needing vast amounts of energy for their operations. The global race to secure access to nuclear power is being supercharged by the booming demand for data centers.

Energy Demand & AI

• 00:03:02 The development of AI has led to an explosion in the demand for energy, particularly for powering data centers. This surge in demand has reignited interest in nuclear power as a reliable and high-capacity energy source. Examples like Microsoft's deal to restart the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pennsylvania demonstrate the growing global trend of tapping into nuclear energy.

Public Opinion & Risk

• 00:04:41 While the need for energy and the potential for nuclear power to fuel a new AI-driven era are growing, public opinion in Japan remains divided due to the Fukushima disaster. Many are concerned about the risks associated with nuclear power in a seismically active region. Despite this, some argue that nuclear power is a necessary solution for the future, requiring a careful weighing of risks and benefits.

Future of Nuclear Power in Japan

• 00:05:29 Japan finds itself at a crossroads, with the potential to restart its nuclear reactors and power a new AI-driven era. However, the lingering effects of the Fukushima disaster and the ongoing cleanup create a challenging backdrop. The country must balance its energy needs with the potential risks, while the long-term impacts of the disaster, including the depopulation of affected areas, remain a significant concern.