IAEA chief on Fukushima nuclear plan

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi said decommissioning work is generally proceeding smoothly at the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in north-eastern Japan.

Grossi visited the plant on Wednesday.  He was briefed by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) President Kobayakawa Tomoaki about the current situation of the decommissioning work.

Since 2023, TEPCO has been releasing treated water into the ocean after diluting it to reduce tritium levels to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization’s guidance level for drinking water.

Grossi said he is satisfied with the result, and that it exceeds expectations. He indicated that the IAEA’s regular seawater monitoring surveys around the plant, conducted at the request of the Japanese government, are helping to enhance international confidence.