Analysis of Fukushima radioactive debris: A year-long process to advance dismantling

The evaluation of debris extracted from Fukushima, crucial for dismantling planning, could last up to a year, according to Tepco, the operator of the Japanese nuclear plant.

Partagez:

The analysis of radioactive debris recently extracted from the Fukushima nuclear power plant is part of preparations for the dismantling of the site. According to Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), the plant’s operator, this step is expected to take between six months and a year. The results will be essential for guiding the next phases of this monumental process.

A 0.7-gram debris sample, retrieved using an innovative robotic device, has been sent to a specialized laboratory near Tokyo. Despite the small quantity, Tepco claims that modern analytical technologies will yield valuable information. Akira Ono, head of dismantling at Tepco, stated that the data would help better understand how the debris was formed and the challenges associated with its large-scale removal.

A technological and scientific challenge

Current work aims to determine the chemical structure and radioactivity levels of the fuel debris. This understanding is vital to mitigating the risks linked to handling highly unstable materials. With approximately 880 tons of radioactive debris still present in Fukushima’s reactors, operations require unprecedented precision.

The challenges are immense. The Fukushima disaster, which followed the March 2011 tsunami, remains one of the worst nuclear crises since Chernobyl in 1986. Three of the six reactors in operation at the time of the event suffered a core meltdown, making the site extremely difficult to decontaminate.

A decades-long dismantling process

The removal of debris is one of the most delicate aspects of Fukushima’s decommissioning. The dismantling operations, which combine decontamination and waste management, are expected to span several decades. Data gathered from the recently analyzed sample will play a key role in this endeavor.

Although technologies continue to evolve, the cost and complexity of these efforts remain major hurdles. However, Tepco expresses confidence in the contributions of the current analyses to future operations. This initial sample could provide crucial insights for the future removal of remaining materials and help reduce risks inherent in this unprecedented task.

  • Populaires ​
Europe extends gas storage obligations until 2027
Uranium Energy Corp acquires 170 million shares of Anfield Energy Inc.
Austria introduces a 20% bonus for European photovoltaic equipment
Chinese independent refiners poised to increase fuel oil imports
Longi and Pertamina launch 1.6 GW solar plant in Indonesia
World Bank resumes nuclear financing after decades of absence
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
Seoul approves definitive decommissioning of South Korea’s first nuclear reactor
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
EnCore Energy raises uranium output and hails Texas nuclear reforms
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
IAEA Confirms Concerns About Iranian Enriched Uranium Stockpile
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
India: NPCIL extends deadline to September 30 for BSR reactor proposals
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
Brno rejects EDF lawsuit over Czech nuclear contract
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
EDF anticipates immediate reduction in nuclear output amid heatwave
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
Fortum selects Westinghouse to study an AP1000 reactor in Finland
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
United States: Unprecedented firing of nuclear regulator sparks intense controversy
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
New York launches major nuclear project to secure its energy supply
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia and Mali Sign Trade Agreements and Target Nuclear Energy
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
United States releases additional $100 mn to restart Palisades Nuclear Plant
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF secures £4.5 billion from Apollo to finance Hinkley Point C
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
France: Anne-Isabelle Étienvre Proposed by Élysée to Head the CEA
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greece Considers Modular Reactors to Decarbonize its Maritime Industry
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower raises $650 million with NVIDIA for modular reactors
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French State Agree on €70 Billion Plan for EPR2
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Newcleo and Nextchem launch joint venture focused on modular nuclear reactors
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.
Four European organisations join forces to develop innovative nuclear reactor
A new European consortium launches the design of a small lead-cooled modular reactor, targeting global commercialisation by 2039, with a demonstration scheduled as early as 2035.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS