The Impact of Nuclear Accidents on Nuclear Energy: Lesson for Kazakhstan

Abstract

The Fukushima nuclear power plant accident is a focusing event which dragged attention from mass media, public and governments throughout the World. While the nuclear accident compelled some countries to review their plans on nuclear power, many countries enhanced nuclear safety standards and declared their commitment to nuclear power. Notwithstanding the Fukushima accident, government of Kazakhstan announced that nuclear power development plan would not be curtailed. Nevertheless, construction of two nuclear reactors in Ulken village and Kurchstov were postponed until further notice. This policy analysis exercise aims to identify whether nuclear accidents lead to decrease in public perception and nuclear power development, and negative public opinion, in turn, leads to a decline of nuclear energy....