Florentine Koppenborg

Florentine Koppenborg, a political scientist and author, explores the intricate landscape of Japan's nuclear safety governance post-Fukushima disaster. She delves into the creation of an independent nuclear safety regulator and its struggles against political pressure. Koppenborg highlights the challenges of local protests and the regulatory reforms that emerged after the crisis. She also examines the unintended consequences of stringent safety regulations on energy costs and the slow progress of renewable energy development, providing valuable insights into global nuclear policy.

Florentine Koppenborg, a political scientist and author, explores the aftermath of Japan's Fukushima disaster and its impact on nuclear safety governance. She delves into Japan's regulatory reforms, highlighting the establishment of a robust independent Nuclear Regulation Authority. The conversation touches on the historical pro-nuclear safety narrative, local resistance to new plants, and the intricate balance between nuclear safety and energy policy. Koppenborg also discusses the international implications of Japan's regulatory changes for global energy decarbonization efforts.

Florentine Koppenborg, a political scientist specializing in nuclear safety governance, discusses Japan's regulatory reforms post-Fukushima. She details how the disaster revealed significant flaws in safety governance and led to the establishment of an independent regulator that challenges political influence. Koppenborg explores local protests, the 'nuclear village' mentality, and the NRA's newly gained powers and transparency. She also raises concerns about the potential conflicts between safety regulations and decarbonization goals, offering insights into future nuclear phase-outs.