Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Treated water discharge expected around spring to summer Government

Regarding the treated water containing radioactive substances such as tritium that accumulates at the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, the government has confirmed that it is expected to start releasing it into the sea from spring to summer this year.

This was shown at a meeting of relevant ministers held at the Prime Minister's Office on the 13th.

Regarding the treated water that accumulates at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the government decided in April two years ago to dilute it to a concentration below the national standard and release it into the sea, and it was expected to start releasing it about two years later.

In response to this policy, TEPCO aimed to start the release around spring this year, but at the meeting on the 13th, as a result of scrutinizing the time required for construction of the undersea tunnel used for release, the specific time confirmed that it is expected from spring to summer.

In addition, at the conference, with regard to countermeasures against reputational damage, "Efforts to foster understanding are progressing," and continued dialogue and consultation with local residents, including fishermen, and the distribution industry. I have checked some policies.

However, there are deep-seated voices of concern about reputational damage, especially among fishermen, and the focus will be on whether they will be understood by implementing countermeasures as the start of the release approaches.

TEPCO President Kobayakawa "Carefully explain to the locals"

Tomoaki Kobayakawa, president of Tokyo Electric Power Company, who attended the meeting, told reporters, "We recognize that the government has given a range in the form of spring to summer after comprehensively considering various processes. We will continue to aim for around spring to complete the construction and create a system that can operate firmly, which is our role.”

Regarding the response to the local community, he said, "I don't think there is a solid understanding of the local community, so I will try to understand as many people as possible by facing various concerns and concerns and providing thorough explanations. I will try my best," he stressed.