Wisdom from Disasters

It was reported in 1991 that the reactors at Chernobyl did not comply with accepted standards of nuclear reactor safety. Such a catastrophe would have been highly suspected with a Western nuclear reactor given the rigorous safety procedures and inspections required. Nonetheless, the fault was both human error and design. What is essential is that scientists and engineers reflect on the past and learn from mistakes. Now, nuclear power is safe because of these incidents. No more Chernobyl-type reactors will be built.

Progressively, careful consideration is given to site safety to determine the new location of reactors and sites at risk of natural disasters are avoided. Today, nuclear power is still considered relatively safe and clean energy source will be part of energy production for a foreseeable future.