Posted: 30.03.2023 12:45:00

Fukushima-1 operator revealed the destruction of first reactor’s concrete base

The operator of the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant, Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO), for the first time since the accident in March 2011, was able to examine the interior of the first reactor of the plant and identify the destruction of its concrete base, TASS reports

photo: www.reuters.com

It is specified that the company used an underwater robot equipped with cameras for the survey, enabling to visually establish that the concrete base of the reactor was completely destroyed, exposing the reinforcement.

TEPCO thinks the reason was the high temperature of the melted nuclear fuel.

The accident at the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant occurred in March 2011. Then the impact of a powerful tsunami disabled its power supply and cooling systems. As a result, nuclear fuel melted in the reactors of three power units, which burned through the containment shells. This was accompanied by hydrogen explosions that damaged unit four. At the same time, large volumes of radioactive substances were released, which led to the contamination of areas adjacent to the station.

The complete dismantling of the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant is planned to be completed by 2050.