These plants have been in operation since the late 60`s, they...

These plants have been in operation since the late 60`s, they operate on old technology. 11 of the 55 had been turned off, with 2 showing signs of damage of which 1 has signs of potential meltdown. This has occured on an island which has its borders on techtonic plates and has just experienced one of the greatest quakes in human history.
So as far as energy generation in comparison to carbon/photonic pollution, nuclear wins hands down.
Another learning curve.