Japan: Mr. Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), arrived in Japan to present a review of Tokyo’s proposal to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.

The Fukushima plant suffered a nuclear accident in 2011 when several reactors went into meltdown after a massive tsunami overwhelmed the cooling systems. The subsequent clean-up has spanned over a decade, and while most radiation-affected areas have reopened, decommissioning the plant itself will take many more years.

The immediate challenge faced by the plant’s operator, TEPCO, is the accumulated 1.33 million cubic meters of water on the site. This water is a mixture of groundwater, seeping rainwater, and cooling water. TEPCO has a facility that effectively removes all radionuclides from the water except for tritium, a common component found in wastewater discharged by nuclear plants worldwide.

Japan’s plan involves diluting the treated water and releasing it gradually into the sea through a pipe extending from the plant’s eastern coast. The proposal has already received endorsement from the IAEA, but the Japanese government has stated that the release will only commence after a comprehensive review presented by Mr. Grossi.

The review by the IAEA holds significant importance for Japan, as it helps foster international understanding and credibility regarding the management and application of nuclear safety standards. While the release plan has support from the IAEA, it remains controversial, drawing criticism from Beijing, and causing concerns among some in South Korea who have begun panic-buying salt over fears of contamination. Fishing communities in Fukushima are also apprehensive that customers may avoid their catches, despite strict testing protocols for food from the region.

Japan intends to initiate the release of treated water this summer, though further details have not been provided. The government plans to thoroughly communicate and explain the IAEA report, emphasizing efforts to ensure safety and address concerns related to the potential reputational damage.

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