European Nuclear Society
e-news Issue 34 Autumn 2011
http://www.euronuclear.org/e-news/e-news-34/boeck.htm

New book dealing with the events at Fukushima is published

Prof. DI Dr. Helmuth Böck, of the Vienna Technological University’s Atominstitut recently published a book, in German, entitled: What happens when something happens. It deals with the accident at Fukushima, assesses what really happened and provides an insight into real emergency scenarios. It is based on hard facts and thorough scientific analysis, rather than irrational fears.

ENS is pleased to present the following appraisal of the book, based largely on its summary.

The nuclear disaster in Fukushima shocked the world fundamentally. The call to pull out of nuclear energy is getting louder – and more often than not it is politicians trying to win over voters that are leading the chorus.

It is a fact, however, that to date, no comprehensive or internationally relevant works dealing with what actually happened at Fukushima have been published. However, there are plenty of half-truths, misconceptions and false information being spread via the media about the global consequences of the disaster. In addition, sensationalised prognoses of a grim future are frequently pronounced, all of which have unsettled the understandably concerned public. Are the opponents of nuclear energy playing on the fears of the public or is the threat from Fukushima real and consistent with those fears?

In “What happens when something happens” Prof. DI Dr. Helmuth Böck, the former Reactor Manager of the Research Reactor at the Vienna Technological University’s Atominstitut, together with DI Eileen Radde, DI Michael Gerstmayr and other colleagues, provide an analysis of the the case based on real facts.

The authors recount in a captivating manner - backed up by examples and incidents that not many readers will be aware of - the real dimension of the threat it poses to the local community and region. They present readers with hard facts and truth behind the horrific scenarios put forward and inform them of what really happens in a genuine disaster emergency situation. Furthermore, they examine factors that preceded the disaster and broach the subject of man’s insatiable hunger for energy; something that dominates the world and continues to drive the further commercial use of nuclear energy. Also, the ghost of Chernobyl and its legacy, which has been largely dismissed from many people’s minds, is re-examined based on current knowledge.

Finally, the book tries to explain the situation we would find ourselves in were a core meltdown ever to occur. The common clamour for a complete withdrawal from nuclear energy is also examined from a factual research-oriented perspective, with the key questions asked : “Is it realistic for the world to abstain from using nuclear energy?” What would be the consequences for energy prices if such a scenario were to happen?” “Would it still be possible to minimize C0₂ emissions to stop the threat of climate change?” Within the latter’s context alternative sources of energy production also play a major role.

The insider knowledge the book presents is impressive. It gives updated and detailed knowledge on the subject, presenting it in a scientific and factually manner and in an entertaining narrative style.

If ENS NEWS readers would like to get a copy of What happens when something happens, they should contact Helmut Böck at: boeck@ati.ac.at.