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(Photo released by Tepco on 10/30/2024)
Resuming Debris Retrieval Amid Setbacks
After over a month’s delay, TEPCO has resumed trial fuel debris retrieval from Reactor 2. The process, intended to begin in August, faced repeated delays due to operational issues and high radiation levels. On October 28, TEPCO successfully reactivated its telescopic retrieval device following previous camera malfunctions that paused work in September.
Less Than 3 Grams Recovered Out of 880 Tons
The recent retrieval extracted under 3 grams of radioactive material—just a fraction of the estimated 880 tons of fuel debris across reactors. This preliminary collection will be analyzed at a specialized lab to inform full-scale removal strategies. TEPCO maintains that safety remains the highest priority, with worker exposure capped at 24 mSv/hr.
Challenges Ahead
The retrieval device, operated through remote controls, encounters substantial difficulties in navigating radiation-dense zones within the primary containment vessel (PCV). This third attempt at debris extraction reflects TEPCO’s persistence but underscores the immense challenge of handling irradiated material nearly 13 years after the disaster.
