Nuclear disasters like Chernobyl and Fukushima don't run on a human timeline.
The natural and nuclear disasters in northeast Japan have compounded these problems and made more urgent the need to adopt and implement remedies.
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In fact, Fukushima and Chernobyl are the only nuclear power disasters in that category.
Fukushima nuclear plant disasters.
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Japan has shut 53 of its 54 nuclear reactors after the disasters.
We devoted our efforts to overcoming the crisis and creating a tougher business foundation by taking measures so that our nuclear power plants can withstand disasters, strengthening our relationship with local communities and residents to retain their confidence, and enforcing strict policies for business improvement.
The twin disasters resulted in various nuclear power plants being shutdown.
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He said the country's nuclear facilities are built to withstand natural disasters"All our plants are designed to withstand significant natural phenomena like earthquakes, tornadoes and tsunamis, " he said.
Mr Oettinger was outlining plans for the tests - ordered in the wake of Japan's Fukushima disaster - which are designed to see how Europe's nuclear facilities are able to withstand natural or man-made disasters.
The long-term impact on the nuclear power industry is yet to be seen, but what is clear is that natural disasters like the earthquake and tsunami in Japan have profound effects on governments and on businesses, directly or indirectly.
Nuclear power was one of the key sources of energy in Japan before last year's twin disasters.
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