Toshiba and Hitachi Propose Joint Decommissioning Plan for Fukushima Nuclear Plant

Toshiba Corp. and rival Hitachi, Ltd. are considering a joint proposal to decommission the crippled reactors at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The massive task, which involves removing and dismantling four reactors, has been ongoing for years, with Toshiba and Hitachi initially proposing separate plans. However, the two companies have now agreed to collaborate, recognizing that the difficult task may face significant challenges in the aftermath of hydrogen explosions that occurred at the Nos. 1 and 3 reactors.

The joint proposal, which has been hinted at by Toshiba officials, would involve both companies working together to decommission the reactors, with the difficult task of cooling the interior of the reactors and removing debris expected to take at least 10 years to complete. This timeline is similar to the proposal made by Toshiba in April, which outlined a joint plan with four US companies, including its subsidiary Westinghouse Electric Co.

Key Takeaways:

• Toshiba and Hitachi, two major Japanese nuclear power manufacturers, have proposed a joint decommissioning plan for the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture.
• The joint plan involves the removal and dismantling of four reactors, which have been damaged by hydrogen explosions.
• The proposal has been hinted at by Toshiba officials, who have called on Hitachi to work with them on the decommissioning task.
• Both companies have initially proposed separate plans, but have now agreed to collaborate due to the complexity and difficulty of the task.
• The joint plan includes a timeline of at least 10 years to complete the decommissioning work.
• The plan involves the removal of debris, the dismantling of buildings housing the reactors, and the disposal of waste.

Statistics:

• Four reactors at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant need to be decommissioned.
• The decommissioning task is expected to take at least 10 years to complete.
• The joint plan involves the removal of debris from the reactors, which will be completed in the next six months.
• The dismantling of buildings housing the reactors and other equipment will take the final five years.
• The disposal of waste will also take place during the final five years.
• The contaminated ground will undergo soil improvement and the whole lot will be left vacant.

Sources:

• The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 13
• TOKYO, April 13--Toshiba Corp. has proposed to rival Hitachi, Ltd. that the two companies join hands in decommissioning the crippled reactors at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture.