Decommissioning Fukushima's Reactors
The decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is entering a critical phase with the planned removal of melted nuclear fuel debris. This delicate operation, resembling a fishing expedition, will utilize a specialized device akin to a fishing rod to extract tiny bits of radioactive material from the damaged reactors.
The work, expected to begin in October, will initially be conducted on a trial basis at the No. 2 reactor, where radiation levels are relatively low. This initial phase will involve a simple rod-style system to grasp the fuel debris, followed by the deployment of a more sophisticated robotic arm at a later stage.
The removal of melted fuel is considered the most challenging aspect of the decommissioning process due to the extremely high radiation levels within the wrecked facility. The initial target is to remove a few grams of fuel debris from the No. 2 reactor, with the ultimate goal of extracting an estimated 880 tons of fuel debris from the No. 1 to No. 3 reactors.
The decommissioning process has faced numerous delays, initially scheduled to begin in 2021 but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and mechanical issues. The recovery method also underwent a change after the robotic arm initially developed for the task proved insufficiently precise.
Despite these challenges, the use of a fishing rod-like device marks a significant step towards the safe and complete decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. This complex and delicate operation represents a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of the 2011 disaster.