Abstract
After the earthquake and tsunami of March 2011, all nuclear power stations in Japan have been closed. Japan’s shortage of minerals and energy is an important issue. Japan depends on imports for its primary energy needs. Recently, Japan is preparing to reopen nuclear power stations.
In this study, we examined the economic effects of production activities in zones surrounding the Hamakoka nuclear power station in Shizuoka Prefecture before and after a natural disaster interrupts operations. A hypothetical extraction method was incorporated to the regional input-output framework. Using a regional input-output model and GIS employment data in Shizuoka Prefecture, backward and forward linkage impacts were calculated along the different sizes of the station’s zone. Density functions of the backward and forward linkage impacts were also derived.
We assessed the economic implications on zones surrounding the nuclear power station. We found that a production stoppage along the zone generates large indirect negative effects on the regional economy. Our results suggest that disaster prevention and recovery policies should consider the industrial structure and economic implications in zones surrounding the nuclear power stations.
JEL Classification:R11, R12, R15
