As Japan marks the 13th anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the cleanup effort faces a crucial challenge: retrieving a sample from the heart of the radioactive debris. Akira Ono, leading decommissioning efforts for TEPCO, describes the task as unprecedented. The damaged reactors still hold around 880 tonnes of melted nuclear fuel, but extracting it safely requires understanding its condition and location. Despite setbacks, including recent failures in robotic exploration, Ono remains determined. Critics question the ambitious cleanup timeline, highlighting the complexities of handling the highly radioactive debris. Meanwhile, controversy surrounds the plant’s discharge of treated water into the sea, sparking protests and international concern.
13 Years After Fukushima: Quest to Retrieve Nuclear Debris Continues
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