Today, Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), the entity managing the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, announced the successful completion of the third round of releases of radioactively contaminated water.
TEPCO disclosed that the treated radioactive contaminated water released during this phase amounted to 7,800 tonnes, mirroring the volume discharged in the previous two rounds.
In an outlined plan, TEPCO intends to execute four rounds of releasing radioactively contaminated water within the ongoing fiscal year, scheduled to culminate in March 2024. The cumulative volume slated for release across these phases amounts to a substantial 31,200 tons of radioactively contaminated water.
This move aligns with TEPCO’s strategic approach to manage the treated radioactive water accumulated at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. The process involves treating the water to remove most radioactive elements, except for tritium, which cannot be removed with existing technology.
TEPCO’s initiative has sparked ongoing discussions and concerns both domestically and internationally. It continues to face scrutiny and calls for transparent communication regarding the handling and disposal of this treated radioactive water, ensuring minimal environmental impact and public safety.
The completion of this third release marks a significant step in TEPCO’s strategy for managing the residual effects of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, albeit amid ongoing debates and heightened attention to the potential implications of these actions.