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What was the seismic data misconduct at Hamaoka?
The scandal involves Chubu Electric manipulating seismic data used to assess earthquake risks at the Hamaoka nuclear plant. The company used non-representative simulations and altered data calculations to meet safety standards, raising concerns about the integrity of safety assessments.
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How does this delay Japan’s nuclear restart plans?
The misconduct led Japan’s nuclear regulator to suspend the review process for restarting reactors No. 3 and No. 4 at Hamaoka. This pause delays Japan’s broader efforts to bring nuclear power back online after the Fukushima disaster, impacting energy supply plans.
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What safety concerns are raised by the scandal?
The scandal casts doubt on the safety evaluations of Japan’s nuclear facilities. Manipulated seismic data suggests that safety assessments may have been compromised, raising fears about the plants’ ability to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters.
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Could this impact Japan’s energy future?
Yes, the scandal could slow down Japan’s plans to restart nuclear reactors, which are a key part of the country’s energy mix. It may lead to increased reliance on fossil fuels and renewable energy sources, affecting Japan’s energy security and climate goals.
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What has been the public reaction to the scandal?
Public trust in Japan’s nuclear safety measures has been shaken by the scandal. Many citizens are calling for stricter oversight and transparency to ensure such misconduct does not happen again, especially after the Fukushima disaster.
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What are the next steps for Japan’s nuclear regulators?
Regulators are likely to conduct thorough investigations into the misconduct, review safety protocols, and enforce stricter oversight. The goal is to restore public confidence and ensure all safety assessments are accurate before reactors are restarted.