Yes, I hope that people learn the lessons of the Fukushima and Chernobyl disasters:

* don't use old 60- and 70-year-old nuclear technology

* don't build any sort of power generation plant within a few metres of a beach, of the sea

* don't build any sort of power generation plant near seismic fault lines

* don't build any sort of power generation plant in a tsunami-prone area.

Given that nuclear power seems to have a good safety record IF the latest level of technology is implemented, from plutonium-powered pace-makers up through powering submarines, to major power-generation plants in France and Finland etc., given its low cost to consumers, and with the limitations of current renewable energy generation technology, clearly it is vital to plan for mass nuclear energy generation around the world, at all relevant levels.

Joe

Yeah I hope the Australian public learns that the Greens are willing to use an event 70 years ago to send us back into the dark ages. Already we have wasted billions on renewables causing power prices to triple in a short period of time. The are experts at making up problems using pseudo science and then being a large part of the problem when it comes to preventing dams being built, forests from being cleared and anything that actually does anything positive for the environment. Has anyone asked Greta how to solve the Coronavirus yet?

The China virus will be the deciding factor in whether or not the Olympic Games go ahead, not some snivelling about Fukushima or nuclear fallout.

Extraordinary comments already on this comprehensive and informative article! It would seem that the commenters have not actually read it.

I do ponder on who actually IS the readership of Online Opinion. I really do not mean to be insulting here, but it is surprising to me, how few comments ever show an appreciation of a strong critical discussion, or even suggest that they in fact read it.

Well, we know what you anti-nukes are going to say - the same things you always say; and, it is so boring. We just like you to know that we disagree. No point arguing.

The article was a one hundred percent focus on the social consequences of the nuclear disaster; which from any technical perspective, misses the real issue of the benefits of nuclear power.

It was clearly a disaster built upon incompetence of irresponsible actors, as highlighted by comments here, which I believe are on the mark.
It is equally clear that it is not the technology which is at fault.

Dan