IAEA Chief Visits Japan To Discuss Fukushima Wastewater Discharge

International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi walks to meet Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi before their meeting at the prime minister's office Tuesday, M

The head of the United Nations' atomic agency is currently in Japan to assess the discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General is visiting Japan for the first time since the releases of treated water began in August. This visit comes one day after Japan commemorated 13 years since the devastating earthquake and tsunami that led to the Fukushima disaster.

The Fukushima disaster resulted in significant challenges but also strengthened the cooperation between the IAEA and Japan. Following the earthquake and tsunami in 2011, the Fukushima plant experienced triple meltdowns, leading to the accumulation of radioactive wastewater. After over a decade of cleanup efforts, the plant started discharging treated water diluted with seawater on August 24, a process expected to span several decades.

The discharges have faced opposition from fishing groups and neighboring countries like China, which halted all imports of Japanese seafood after the release began. Japan has sought the IAEA's assistance in safety monitoring and evaluation to address concerns regarding the discharge plan.

The IAEA Director-General is set to inspect the discharge facility after engaging with local residents. The IAEA previously issued a review indicating minimal impact from the discharges and confirmed that they meet international safety standards.

Discharge of treated water diluted with seawater began on August 24.

IAEA Director-General assesses Fukushima treated water discharge in Japan.

Opposition from fishing groups and neighboring countries like China to discharge plan.

IAEA confirms minimal impact from discharges and adherence to safety standards.

Cooperation between Japan and IAEA on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

During the visit, discussions will also cover cooperation in nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of atomic energy. Japan, in response to escalating fuel costs due to the conflict in Ukraine, is increasing its use of nuclear power and supporting IAEA's efforts to safeguard Ukrainian nuclear plants.

Japan and the IAEA are collaborating on the disposal of radioactive soil from Fukushima. The Japanese government is grappling with the challenge of disposing of vast amounts of soil excavated during reconstruction and cleanup efforts. While a plan to recycle the soil for public works has faced opposition, the government aims to finalize a disposal plan outside Fukushima prefecture by 2045.

A preliminary IAEA report endorsed the soil recycling plan last year but emphasized the importance of public trust. A final report is anticipated this summer.