Security: Japan’s Reports on Conditions at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, 25 January 2023

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

The Japanese Government has provided the IAEA with a report that summarizes the events and highlights the progress related to recovery operations at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The IAEA provided its assessments, which are contained in full at the end of the report.

This assessment has been performed on aspects presented in the November 2022 report ‘Events and highlights on the progress related to recovery operations at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station’. It does not include recent developments that will be taken into consideration in a next report.

Change of the start date of fuel debris trial retrieval from Unit 2

The IAEA notes that the process for the fuel debris trial retrieval from the Unit 2 will begin around late FY2023.

Revision of “Action Plan for the Continuous Implementation of the Basic Policy on Handling of ALPS Treated Water”

The IAEA recognizes that the review of the Action Plan demonstrates the Government of Japan’s focused commitment to further improving transparency and public acceptance with regard to the discharge of ALPS treated water.

Completion of deposit thickness survey inside the Unit 1 PCV

The IAEA recognizes that the knowledge gained through the compilation of information from such an investigation inside the Unit 1 PCV and the training based on this information will contribute to the safe removal of fuel debris from inside the PCV in the future.

Sea area monitoring results

Based on the information provided by Japan, the IAEA acknowledges that no significant changes were observed in the monitoring results for seawater, sediment and marine biota, including fishery products, during the period covered by this report. The levels measured by Japan in the marine environment are low and relatively stable. For the purpose of public reassurance, the IAEA encourages the continuation of sea area monitoring. Furthermore, the IAEA considers that the ongoing data quality assurance programme that is in place is key for ensuring the accuracy and the quality of the results of the monitoring programme. It also enhances transparency and contributes to building stakeholders’ confidence.

Food products

Based on the information provided by Japan, the situation regarding the safety of the food supply, fishery and agricultural production continues to remain stable. Food restrictions continue to be revised and updated as necessary in line with food monitoring results. Many thousands of food samples were collected over the reporting period and this indicates continued vigilance of the authorities in Japan and their commitment to protecting consumers and trade. Monitoring, appropriate regulatory action and public communication are helping to maintain confidence in the safety of the food supply.

Based on the information that has been made available, the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre understands that measures to monitor and respond to issues regarding radionuclide contamination of food are appropriate, and that the food supply chain is controlled effectively by the relevant authorities and that the public food supply is safe.

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