Misconceptions

It's a myth. Many nuclear power plants operate in areas with a desert climate, such as Barakah in the United Arab Emirates or Palo Verde in the United States. The latter even uses wastewater from the city of Phoenix for cooling.

Nuclear power plants, although often used at full power, can perform "load following" as in France, without compromising their safety if it is done in accordance with rules. However, this modulation can accelerate the wear of some parts.

The Chernobyl disaster has profoundly transformed the global nuclear industry. Since the accident, safety has been integrated at all stages: design, operation, training, crisis management and sharing of feedback. Each area takes lessons learned from the accident to strengthen prevention and safety culture.

The reactors at the Onagawa power plant, the closest to the epicenter, did not suffer major damage during the earthquake. Rugged enough to withstand the tsunami, the plant then served as a shelter for local people.