Particles: Nuclear Power after Fukushima
A one-year anniversary special examining the future of nuclear power after the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi plant in Japan. Some scientists believe the accident was a significant setback for nuclear in the U.S. But climate concerns are a factor -- 70% of carbon-free energy comes from nuclear power, with more than 60 nuclear reactors under construction worldwide. What have we learned from Japan…and now what? Among many stories, Alex Chadwick conducts a rare interview with a deputy director of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission about behind-the-scenes goings on during the early hours and days post-Fukushima -- and next steps for nuclear plants in the U.S. Chadwick will also profile Greg Hardy, a Los Angeles-based engineer who has spent much of his career examining the vulnerability of nuclear plants to earthquakes. Hardy says he’s comfortable living between two nuclear facilities along California’s coast, even after Fukushima. But Hardy's wife is skeptical.
The Documentary of the Week airs Fridays at 8pm; Sunday at 6pm, and the following Thursday at noon.
