Latest news with #decommissioning
CNA
a day ago
- General
- CNA
Fukushima radioactive debris removal delayed until 2037
TOKYO: A massive operation to remove hundreds of tonnes of radioactive debris from Japan's tsunami-stricken Fukushima nuclear plant has been delayed until at least 2037, the operator said on Tuesday (Jul 29). Around 880 tonnes of hazardous material remain inside the power station, the site of one of history's worst nuclear accidents after a tsunami triggered by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake in 2011. Preparation work needed to start the retrieval is expected to take "12 to 15" years from now, Tepco official Akira Ono told reporters. This means the earliest they can embark on the removal is now 2037, according to a Tepco document, after the company previously said they hoped to start in the early 2030s. Dangerously high radiation levels mean that removing melted fuel and other debris from the plant is seen as the most daunting challenge in the decades-long decommissioning project. Tiny samples of material have twice been collected under a trial project using special tools, but full-fledged extractions are yet to take place. The new schedule throws into doubt previously stated goals by Tepco and the government to declare the Fukushima plant defunct by 2051. But Tepco insisted on Tuesday the deadline was achievable despite acknowledging it would be "tough". "There is no need to abandon the target," Ono said, adding it is the firm's "responsibility" to "figure out how to meet it". Three of Fukushima's six reactors went into meltdown in 2011 after the huge tsunami swamped the facility.
Arab News
a day ago
- Business
- Arab News
Fukushima radioactive debris removal delayed until 2037
TOKYO: A massive operation to remove hundreds of tons of radioactive debris from Japan's tsunami-stricken Fukushima nuclear plant has been delayed until at least 2037, the operator said Tuesday. Around 880 tons of hazardous material remain inside the power station, site of one of history's worst nuclear accidents after a tsunami triggered by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake in 2011. Preparation work needed to start the retrieval is expected to take '12 to 15' years from now, Tepco official Akira Ono told reporters. This means the earliest they can embark on the removal is now 2037, according to a Tepco document, after the company previously said they hoped to start in the early 2030s. Dangerously high radiation levels mean that removing melted fuel and other debris from the plant is seen as the most daunting challenge in the decades-long decommissioning project. Tiny samples of material have twice been collected under a trial project using special tools, but full-fledged extractions are yet to take place. The new schedule throws into doubt previously stated goals by Tepco and the government to declare the Fukushima plant defunct by 2051. But Tepco insisted Tuesday the deadline was achievable despite acknowledging it would be 'tough.' 'There is no need to abandon the target,' Ono said, adding it is the firm's 'responsibility' to 'figure out how to meet it.' Three of Fukushima's six reactors went into meltdown in 2011 after the huge tsunami swamped the facility.
NHK
a day ago
- Business
- NHK
Sources: Debris removal won't start until late 2030s at Fukushima Daiichi plant
NHK has learned that work to remove molten fuel debris at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is not likely to start until the late 2030s at the earliest. That's behind a scheduled start of sometime in the early 2030s, as stated in a roadmap compiled by the government and the plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company. Three of the plant's nuclear reactors melted down following a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Removing the estimated 880 tons of fuel debris is considered the biggest challenge in decommissioning the reactors. The debris consists of molten fuel mixed with parts of the reactor structures. TEPCO plans to start removing it from the No.3 reactor. But sources say the utility has concluded after studying the specific removal method that it would take around 12 to 15 years just to prepare for the work. TEPCO plans to insert equipment from the top of the No.3 reactor building, crush the debris in the reactor core and containment vessel, and retrieve it from the side. But the utility is said to have learned that building new facilities at the top of the structure and reducing radiation levels would take more time than expected. The government and TEPCO are aiming to complete the decommissioning work by 2051, 40 years after the accident. But many of the steps in the roadmap are behind schedule.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kilted-out king! Charles proudly dons red tartan as he arrives in Caithness for a series of visits
King Charles was dressed in full tartan for a day of engagements related to the nuclear industry in Scotland today. Charles, 76, was all smiles as he arrived in Caithness in the north of Scotland on Monday, July 28, with the monarch wearing a red tartan kilt as he stepped off at Scrabster Harbour. Upon arrival, he was introduced to the crew of the Pacific Heron, a second-generation purpose-built nuclear transport vessel. He unveiled a plaque for the ship after Charles met local sea cadets and Royal National Lifeboat Institution volunteers from the area. The unveiling on Jubilee Pier came ahead of a reception in the nearby Fish Market Hall, where the King spent time meeting staff from the nuclear industry and local community members from Thurso. A beaming Charles shook hands with members of the public before making his way to the reception for Caithness Communities as the King appeared in good spirits while continuing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. The visit was hosted by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to mark the 70th anniversary of the Dounreay Nuclear site, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited (PNTL) company, as well as the 20th anniversary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. It comes after Charles attended Sunday service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk - without the Queen by his side. The venue is known for being a regular place of worship for members of the royal family, particularly during Christmas time. It is not known why Camilla, 77, wasn't present for yesterday's service. However, the King's qife attended the annual King George Racing Weekend in Ascot earlier this week. Camilla picked an elegant, off-white ensemble for the occasion. She was also seen recently attending the annual Sandringham Flower Show alongside Charles. The royal couple arrived at the flower show on their estate in a carriage that once belonged to Queen Victoria. They were all smiles as they rode the route lined with members of the public and waved to them as they passed by. Looking well and relaxed in a smart suit alongside his wife, elegant in a black and white flower print dress, Charles looked delighted to be there again after being forced to miss last year's event due to his cancer treatment. Many in the crowds commented on how delighted they were to see him back. While Camilla did not join Charles for today's engagements in Scotland, she attended the Sovereign's Garden Party along with the King at the Palace of Holyroodhouse earlier this month. The couple flew to Edingburgh for Holyrood Week, during which the monarch meets Scots from all walks of life. Camilla picked a blue Fiona Clare dress and coat for the garden party that was also attended by Princess Anne. Anne donned a mid-length floral blue dress with a matching blue blazer and chic fascinator. The King's visit to Caithness comes on the same day the British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer joined Donald Trump for an impromptu press conference on the steps of the US president's golf club in Ayrshire. Lady Victoria Starmer looked bemused as Mr Trump hailed her as a 'respected person all over the United States' during the leaders' meeting in Scotland today. During the conference, the American president could be heard saying: 'We want to make the Prime Minister happy.' Referring to Lady Victoria, the Prime Minister's wife, Mr Trump added: 'She's a respected person all over the United States. 'I don't know what he's (Sir Keir) doing but she's very respected, as respected as him. I don't want to say more, I'll get myself in trouble. But she's very, she's a great woman and is very highly respected.'
The Independent
2 days ago
- General
- The Independent
King in Caithness to mark series of nuclear industry anniversaries
The King has arrived in Caithness in the north of Scotland to mark a series of anniversaries linked to the nuclear industry. On arrival at Scrabster Harbour, Charles met the crew of the Pacific Heron, a second-generation purpose-built nuclear transport vessel. He unveiled a plaque for the ship. Charles also met local sea cadets and Royal National Lifeboat Institution volunteers from the area. The unveiling on Jubilee Pier came ahead of a reception in the nearby Fish Market Hall, where the King will later spend time meeting staff from the nuclear industry and local community members from Thurso. The visit was hosted by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority to mark the 70th anniversary of the Dounreay Nuclear site, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Pacific Nuclear Transport Limited (PNTL) company, and the 20th anniversary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
