The Unintended Effects from Halting Nuclear Power Production: Evidence from Fukushima Daiichi Accident

Matthew Neidell, Shinsuke Uchida and Marcella Veronesi

No 26395, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: This paper provides novel evidence of the unintended health effects stemming from the halt in nuclear power production after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. After the accident, nuclear power stations ceased operation and nuclear power was replaced by fossil fuels, causing an increase in electricity prices. We find that this increase led to a reduction in energy consumption, which caused an increase in mortality during very cold temperatures, given the protective role that climate control plays against the elements. Our results contribute to the debate surrounding the use of nuclear as a source of energy by documenting a yet unexplored health benefit from using nuclear power, and more broadly to regulatory policy approaches implemented during periods of scientific uncertainty about potential adverse effects.

JEL-codes: I12 K32 Q41 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ene, nep-hea and nep-law
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Published as Neidell, Matthew & Uchida, Shinsuke & Veronesi, Marcella, 2021. "The unintended effects from halting nuclear power production: Evidence from Fukushima Daiichi accident," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
Published as Matthew Neidell & Shinsuke Uchida & Marcella Veronesi, 2021. "The unintended effects from halting nuclear power production: Evidence from Fukushima Daiichi accident," Journal of Health Economics, vol 79.

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Journal Article: The unintended effects from halting nuclear power production: Evidence from Fukushima Daiichi accident (2021)
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