Summary
The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) will delay the full removal of melted nuclear fuel from the Fukushima Daiichi plant until 2037 or later. This postponement affects the ongoing efforts to safely decommission the plant, originally targeted for completion by 2051.
Key Facts
- TEPCO announced a delay in removing melted nuclear fuel at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.
- The new timeline for starting full removal is set for 2037 or later.
- The delay impacts the original decommissioning target of 2051.
- About 880 tons of melted fuel and debris are inside the affected reactors.
- Preparations include lowering radiation levels and constructing necessary facilities.
- A small sample of fuel debris was successfully retrieved in November, after a three-year delay.
- TEPCO aims to maintain the 2051 decommissioning goal despite anticipated challenges.
- Experts believe that decommissioning might take more than a century due to the complexities involved.
