TOKYO (AFP) – The operator of Japan’s stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant said yesterday it aims to carry out a trial removal of highly radioactive debris next week, after a previous attempt was suspended.
Thirteen years after an earthquake and tsunami hit Fukushima-Daiichi in one of the world’s worst nuclear accidents, around 880 tonnes of extremely hazardous material remain inside.
Late last month, Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) had to suspend a removal procedure after a technical problem involving the installation of the necessary equipment.
“It will take several days for us to prepare for a resumption… and we will be able to resume next week if all goes well as scheduled,” a Tepco spokesman told reporters.
Three of Fukushima-Daiichi’s six reactors were operating when a tsunami hit on March 11, 2011, knocking down cooling systems and sending them into meltdown.
In three units of the Fukushima plant, fuel and other material melted and then solidified into highly radioactive “fuel debris”.
