On March 11, 2025, we remember the profound loss and resilience of the people of Japan following the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Fourteen years later, an unprecedented cleanup effort continues – one of the most complex and ambitious undertakings in environmental and technological history.
In November 2024, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, used the remote control robot Telesco to successfully extract a melted nuclear particle from one of three damaged reactors at the plant. It was an extraordinary moment in what was considered one of the most challenging tasks in the decommissioning process. TEPCO safely returned the highly radioactive particle from the damaged container to a secure canister for storage.
The retrieval of the 5-millimeter particle, about the size of a grain of rice, is part of an unprecedented process to decommission the plant after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011 – commonly known as the 3/11 disaster – damaged it.
Sampling the composition of the melted fuel debris is a necessary step in understanding not only what went wrong but also how nuclear power plants can maintain safer standards for everyone’s benefit in every country.
TEPCO has prioritized transparency and safety during the decommissioning process. At the same time, Japan’s government is supervising through regular updates to international agencies like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and public communication with stakeholders from the local to global levels.
Dr. Vincent Gorgues is chief of staff to the French High Commissioner for Nuclear Energy and one of three international special advisers to Japan’s Nuclear Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation. I had an opportunity to interview him to probe how the complex technologies used in Japan may have applications elsewhere.
Gorgues said this process “is highly relevant should other countries one day have to manage projects of a similar nature, whatever their scale. What’s more, a number of the technologies developed for these projects could be directly useful for other dismantling projects.”
Given that nuclear power plants have a limited lifespan, most nuclear nations will have to dismantle them at some point.
The International Research Institute for Nuclear Decommissioning (IRID) estimates that at least 880 tons of molten fuel debris remain in the three damaged reactors in Fukushima. TEPCO is investigating if all the nuclear fuel that melted in the 3/11 accident can be removed. If it can be removed, TEPCO must figure out how to dispose of the large amount of radioactive waste generated by the plant’s decommissioning.
“It has to be clear that the most important priority is to carefully retrieve all spent fuel and all fuel debris and safely store them, which will mark one of the most important milestones of all: the removal of all significant safety hazards on site,” Gorgues said. He emphasized that achieving the desired end-state will be a continuous, lifelong effort; all stakeholders must understand this clearly.
Gorgues added, “There are two main things to understand: First, the situation is now perfectly stable in terms of nuclear safety (i.e., there is no ‘emergency’ nor is there any urge to take immediate actions). Then, the fuel debris retrieval is an incredibly difficult project.”
To illustrate how difficult, Gorgues explained:
Think doing a remote tumor surgery (operating through an extremely narrow point of entry with a robotic arm)…in a hostile environment with lots of rubble which can stop or block your robotic arm, and on a body where you only roughly know the place and shape of the tumor, but you don’t know its immediate environment, nor its physical or mechanical properties! As a consequence of both points, TEPCO and NDF [the Nuclear Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation] have adopted a structured, careful, and stepwise approach to make sure that any action they take does not create additional risks.
The Fukushima Daiichi plant represents the pinnacle of decommissioning complexity. An estimated 40-year timeline is needed to ensure the plant’s safe dismantling and the eventual restoration of the surrounding area. This timeline heavily emphasizes caution, patience, technological development, and the involvement of local communities in decision-making processes.
The technological advancements pioneered at Fukushima have broader economic implications. Japan’s expertise in nuclear robotics and remote operation technology could become a vital export, strengthening its position as a global leader in nuclear decommissioning technology. The cutting-edge technology that removes fuel debris showcases how adversity can drive advancements, potentially benefiting decommissioning efforts worldwide.
A significant aspect of Japan’s decommissioning process is the emphasis on involving local communities. The Fukushima accident displaced approximately 160,000 people, many of whom wish to have a complete restoration of their homeland. The government fosters open dialogue about the plant’s future to honor the local population’s resilience. The proposed idea of transforming the site into a historical monument, akin to Hiroshima’s Atomic Bomb Dome, exemplifies necessary consideration given to preserving the memory of past events while moving forward.
Another vital issue is whether to thoroughly remove or partially store fuel debris. Transparent, inclusive discussions are essential to reach a consensus that balances technological feasibility, safety, and the desires of the local population. Such deliberations encourage shared responsibility and pave the way for innovative solutions that respect scientific realities and human values.
Moreover, these efforts inspire confidence in the nation’s ability to manage future energy challenges responsibly. By investing in decommissioning technology, Japan is advancing its renewable energy and sustainability capabilities, signaling a forward-thinking approach to energy management.
The extended timeline of the decommissioning process is tied to the complexity and variety of the projects involved. However, it’s important to emphasize that this is not a race but a long and challenging journey. The progress made is a testament to scientific innovation, perseverance, and the commitment to ensuring a safer future.
As Japan continues with its decommissioning efforts, I hope that it will stand as a symbol of hope, illustrating that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome through perseverance, innovation, and dedication to the well-being of future generations. As we reflect on the 3/11 anniversary, we honor those affected and recognize the remarkable strides being made toward recovery and renewal.