IAEA Secretary-General Inspects Fukushima Nuclear Plant... Checks Preparations for Contaminated Water Release

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeon Jinyoung] Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), inspected the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on the 19th, which is preparing to release radioactive contaminated water into the ocean.

According to NHK, Director General Grossi visited the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on the day to check on the decommissioning work and preparations for the contaminated water release. Kyodo News reported that after the inspection, Grossi told reporters, "The decommissioning work and preparations for the contaminated water release are progressing beyond expectations."

According to NHK, in the afternoon, Director General Grossi held talks with Koichi Hagiuda, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, exchanging views on Tokyo Electric Power Company's plan to release contaminated water from Fukushima Daiichi starting next spring. He later stated in a private meeting that verification would continue and said, "Once verification is complete, wouldn't the whole world be confident that the contaminated water does not adversely affect health or the environment?"

Director General Grossi will conclude his three-day visit to Japan and hold a press conference on the final day, the 20th.

Earlier last month, the IAEA's Board of Governors stated, "Before releasing water treated by the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), we will publish a comprehensive report compiling the Board's conclusions," adding, "This report will include the final conclusions."

According to Tokyo Electric Power Company’s explanation, treating contaminated water with ALPS can remove 62 radioactive substances including cesium, but tritium is not filtered out. Nuclear species such as carbon-14 also remain in trace amounts in the water treated by ALPS.