IAEA continues to monitor Fukushima discharge

On March 13, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi pledged that the organization will continue its efforts to monitor Japan's discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant into the sea.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi (right) and International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi. Photo: Kyodo

Rafael Grossi made the pledge when meeting local residents in Iwaki City during a three-day visit to Japan, his first since the ocean discharge began in August 2023. Kyodo news agency reported that Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi agreed to continue cooperation to analyze the impact of treated radioactive water from the decommissioned Fukushima power plant.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi (left) at a meeting with local authorities and residents in Iwaki City. Photo: Kyodo

The release is just the first stage of a long and painstaking process, the IAEA chief said. Grossi also stressed the IAEA’s role as an independent monitor, and reiterated the organization’s commitment to remaining vigilant throughout the process.

That same afternoon, Mr. Grossi visited the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant to assess the discharge situation and was ready to listen to the concerns and needs of the people.

To date, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has discharged four batches of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant into the ocean, after it was confirmed to meet international radiation standards, with a total of about 31,150 tons of treated radioactive wastewater. The latest batch began on February 28, with 7,800 tons of water discharged over 17 days.

Thus, TEPCO has completed the discharge according to the original plan in fiscal year 2023 of 31,200 tons and is expected to discharge about 54,600 tons of radioactive treated water in fiscal year 2024.

KHANH HUNG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/iaea-tiep-tuc-giam-sat-viec-xa-thai-tai-fukushima-post730579.html