A magnitude 5.8 earthquake near Fukushima suspends discharges into the sea

After an earthquake near Fukushima, Tepco suspends the discharge of treated water as a precaution, but plans a rapid resumption.

Share:

Séisme Fukushima suspension rejets mer

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90€/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90€/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 €/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99€/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 €/year from the second year.

Tepco, the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, has temporarily suspended the discharge of treated water into the sea following a magnitude 5.8 earthquake. This interruption, described as a precautionary measure, comes at a time when the plant is engaged in the delicate process of removing contaminated water. According to Tepco, post-earthquake checks revealed no anomalies, ensuring safe operations and the absence of radioactive leaks.

Context of treated water discharges

The spill process, which began on February 28, is designed to release into the Pacific Ocean water that has been stored and treated to remove the majority of radioactive substances, with the exception of tritium. Tepco stresses that tritium, although radioactive, is only dangerous in concentrated doses. This operation marks the fourth tranche of rejections since last summer, a practice that has drawn international criticism, notably from China and Russia.

International Reactions and Security Issues

The release of treated water from Fukushima has led to diplomatic tensions, with Beijing suspending imports of Japanese seafood products. This decision, followed by Russia, reflects global concerns about food and environmental safety. Nevertheless, the release process has been validated by the IAEA, ensuring compliance with international safety standards.

Dismantling Fukushima: A Long-Term Challenge

The Fukushima Daiichi power plant, devastated by a tsunami in 2011, is currently being dismantled, a complex process that will take several decades. The project underlines the technical and environmental challenges posed by the consequences of a nuclear disaster, while highlighting Japan’s efforts to secure and decontaminate the site.

The temporary suspension of post-earthquake discharges into the sea at Fukushima highlights the continuing challenges of managing the consequences of the 2011 disaster. It is also a reminder of the importance of nuclear safety in a tense geopolitical context, where technical decisions have considerable diplomatic and environmental implications.

The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
Slovenia’s JEK2 project moves forward with two nuclear technologies judged technically compatible, estimated between EUR9.31bn ($10.1bn) and EUR15.37bn ($16.66bn).
US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.
US-based Westinghouse has signed six industrial agreements in the UK to supply critical components for its AP1000 and AP300 nuclear projects in Britain and abroad.
NANO Nuclear Energy receives direct funding from the US Air Force innovation branch to assess the integration of its KRONOS MMRâ„¢ microreactor at the Washington D.C. military base.
EDF extends the operation of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool by one year after favourable safety inspections, ensuring continuity of nuclear production and safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs.
Russian nuclear group Rosatom has confirmed advanced discussions with India and Turkey to launch new power plants, including advanced and floating reactor technologies.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has identified uranium particles of industrial origin in samples taken from a Syrian site suspected of hosting an undeclared nuclear reactor.
Norwegian authorities begin the first regulatory phase for two modular nuclear reactor projects, marking a strategic step in the national review of the potential role of nuclear energy in the country’s power mix.
With eleven reactors under construction and major projects such as Jaitapur, India is preparing a nuclear build-up that could place it among the world’s five leading nations in the sector.
France and Germany have validated a joint energy roadmap, including a commitment to the non-discrimination of nuclear energy in European financing.
Russia and Iran seek to strengthen their nuclear cooperation as the E3 activates the sanctions mechanism against Tehran, reigniting tensions over compliance with the 2015 Vienna agreement.
US-based Natura Resources has secured strategic funding and key permits for its MSR-1 nuclear reactor, backed by public funds and enriched fuel allocation from the Department of Energy.
The United States and South Korea have agreed to initiate discussions on reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, marking a potential strategic shift in the long-standing bilateral agreement.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.