*** Fukushima Nuclear Plant Prepares for Next Step in Radioactive Debris Removal | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Fukushima Nuclear Plant Prepares for Next Step in Radioactive Debris Removal

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The operator of Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant announced plans to begin the second phase of radioactive debris sampling this spring. The cleanup effort comes 13 years after a catastrophic 9.0-magnitude earthquake triggered a tsunami that caused three reactors at the plant to meltdown, leading to one of the most severe nuclear disasters in history.

Approximately 880 tonnes of radioactive material remain on-site, posing a significant challenge for decommissioning efforts, which are expected to take decades due to dangerously high radiation levels.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) revealed that the upcoming phase, scheduled for March or April, will involve the use of an upgraded telescopic sampling device. The enhanced tool, fitted with a new camera for improved precision, builds upon lessons learned from the initial trial conducted last year.

During the first phase, a sample weighing just under 0.7 grams—comparable to the size of a raisin—was successfully retrieved and sent to a laboratory near Tokyo for analysis. TEPCO emphasized the importance of worker training to ensure a smoother process in the next phase.

“Based on our previous experience, we will make further progress on training our workers to better familiarize them with the process,” the company stated in documents released on Thursday.

The removal of radioactive debris is considered the most daunting aspect of the plant's decommissioning. It represents a critical step toward safely managing the long-term risks associated with the site.

In 2022, Japan began releasing treated cooling water into the Pacific Ocean—equivalent to 540 Olympic-sized swimming pools. This controversial measure has sparked ongoing debate over its environmental impact.

The Fukushima disaster remains a stark reminder of the challenges posed by nuclear energy, with cleanup efforts at the site serving as a testament to the complexity and scale of such operations.