Singapore — As aftershocks from China's devastating earthquake continue to cause havoc, atomic safety experts from around the world are preparing to meet in Japan this month to scrutinize seismic standards at nuclear plants. Because they contain lethal sources of radiation, the plants are designed to withstand major earthquakes and shut down safely. But are the standards adequate?
Asia is leading the renewed global push into nuclear power for generating electricity as China, Japan, South Korea, India and other countries seek to cut greenhouse-gas emissions and improve their energy security by reducing reliance on fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas.
Construction of nuclear reactors in Asia will account for well over one-third of the world's total between now and 2020, according to the World Nuclear Association. More than 110 power reactors are generating electricity in six Asian countries, with dozens more under construction or planned in Northeast, Southeast and South Asia. There are also more than 50 nuclear-research reactors operating in 14 Asian states. The only advanced economies without them are New Zealand and Singapore.