Fourteen years after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, workers face hazardous radiation levels and immense psychological strain as they begin the long process of removing melted fuel from the damaged reactors.
Mari Yamaguchi reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Crews must remove 880 tons of melted nuclear fuel mixed with reactor debris, a process expected to last over a century.
- Workers in high-radiation areas wear heavy protective gear that limits visibility, mobility, and breathing while working in brief, high-stress shifts.
- Robots assist in fuel retrieval, but technical failures and extreme radiation exposure slow progress, with full-scale removal set to begin in the 2030s.
Key quote:
"Working under high levels of radiation (during a short) time limit made us feel nervous and rushed. It was a difficult assignment."
— Yasunobu Yokokawa, Fuel Debris Retrieval Program Department
Why this matters:
The Fukushima cleanup is one of the most complex nuclear decommissioning efforts ever attempted, with major risks to workers' health and safety. Despite stringent safety protocols, radiation exposure remains a serious concern. Workers must navigate hazardous conditions to dismantle reactors that melted down after a tsunami struck the plant.
The decommissioning effort also involves the controversial release of treated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, a move that has sparked concerns among local fishing communities and neighboring countries. The long-term consequences of the Fukushima disaster stretch beyond Japan. It has reshaped global debates on nuclear energy, with some nations doubling down on safety measures while others have moved away from nuclear power altogether. At the same time, the global push to decarbonize means that many countries, including Japan, are increasing investment and reliance on nuclear energy in spite of the risks.
Related: Japan shifts back to nuclear power despite Fukushima disaster
