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

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.

Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.
Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe is asking the European Commission to review its $49bn investment to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant, a step required under the Euratom Treaty before any construction permit can be issued.
The International Atomic Energy Agency mission completed on July 11 warns that the National Nuclear Safety Administration must hire staff to oversee a fleet of 59 reactors in operation and 32 more under construction.
Energoatom signed strategic agreements with Westinghouse and Holtec at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, aiming to establish nuclear fuel production and small modular reactor capabilities in the country.
Tehran agrees to reopen its nuclear facilities to the IAEA, aiming to resume negotiations with Washington, while Moscow pushes for a “zero enrichment” agreement without getting involved in supervision.
TerraPower has selected three new American suppliers for its advanced Natrium nuclear reactor, confirming progress on the project located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, intended to replace a retiring coal-fired power plant.
Energy Exploration Technologies acquires Daytona Lithium, an Australian subsidiary of Pantera Lithium, for AUD40mn ($27mn), bringing its strategic lithium basin footprint in Smackover, USA to nearly 50,000 acres.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has identified no major barriers to licensing the ARC-100 reactor, announces ARC Clean Technology.
SE Ignalina, the Lithuanian nuclear operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Newcleo to explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology in Lithuania.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi oversaw the signing of new agreements for the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, thus strengthening the strategic cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
Vistra Corp receives green light to extend Perry nuclear plant operations in Ohio by 20 years, securing regional electricity supply until 2046 and ensuring operational continuity for all its nuclear reactors in the United States.
EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project in the UK, a €1.3 billion investment announced during Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to London, confirming the strategic nuclear energy alignment between the two countries.
The French Cigéo project, designed to bury the most hazardous radioactive waste deep underground, obtains a crucial technical validation before its final authorization, expected by the end of 2027.
EDF confirms the continuation of its industrial project in Fessenheim for recycling very low-level radioactive metals, a first in France requiring specific regulatory authorizations, following a public debate concluded last February.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. formalizes its collaboration with UrAmerica Ltd. to strengthen Argentina’s uranium supply, aiming to secure future nuclear fuel supply chains for the U.S. market.
American companies SHINE Technologies and Standard Nuclear partner to recycle uranium and plutonium, supplying advanced fuel to the nuclear reactor sector and enhancing the national energy security of the United States.