The operator of Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant said it will not begin removing melted fuel debris from the damaged reactors until at least 2037, extending cleanup timelines by more than a decade.
Mari Yamaguchi reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings estimates it needs 12 to 15 years to reduce radiation and build facilities before starting full-scale removal of melted fuel from Unit 3.
- Roughly 880 tons of radioactive fuel mixed with reactor debris remain inside three reactors damaged by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
- The company says it still aims to complete decommissioning by 2051, though some experts predict it could take more than a century.
Key quote:
“Realistically, we are aware of the difficulty (to achieve the target) but we will not drop the goal just yet, as we still don’t have a clear work schedule after the full-scale removal begins.”
— Akira Ono, chief decommissioning officer at TEPCO
Why this matters:
The Fukushima meltdown remains one of the most serious nuclear disasters in history, releasing radioactive material across land and sea. More than a decade later, highly contaminated fuel still sits inside the reactors, posing risks to workers, surrounding communities, and Pacific Ocean ecosystems. Long delays in cleanup deepen public concern about safety and highlight how difficult it is to manage nuclear accidents once they occur. The prolonged timeline also affects Japan’s energy policy and debates over nuclear power’s role in reducing carbon emissions. Each setback underscores the technical and financial burden of maintaining long-term containment of radioactive waste.
Learn more: Fukushima cleanup exposes workers to radiation risks and stress
