An economic evaluation of nuclear power plant externalities, using the hedonic price approach

Abstract

This study evaluates the external costs of nuclear power plants in Japan. Using the hedonic price approach, we analyze changes in land price in Fukui Prefecture before and after the Fukushima nuclear accident. The land in question is located far from the Fukushima accident area and was not directly impacted by the accident itself. The results of this study reveal that the area affected by the nuclear power plant's negative externalities expanded following the accident, and that the intensity of the external costs also increased. In addition, the costs and benefits of nuclear power plants are found to be distributed unequally across several regions.