Tepco Discovers Corrosion in Fukushima Tanks, Sparking Controversy and Calls for Continued Inspections

In March, Tepco, the operator of the decommissioned Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, discovered corroded tanks with peeling paint during a routine inspection. This finding came after the tanks were emptied of treated radioactive water. Investigations revealed that the corrosion did not affect the tanks’ structural integrity and no leaks have been reported. However, some older tanks installed over a decade ago have shown signs of corrosion, prompting Tepco to continue inspecting all tanks on the premises.

Tepco has assured the IAEA that there is no risk of water leakage from these tanks. The company began releasing treated wastewater into the sea in August 2023, despite opposition from local fishermen and China. According to Tepco and the IAEA, all radioactive elements except tritium have been filtered out of the water. Tritium is present in negligible amounts and is considered harmless by these authorities.

The decommissioning process of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is ongoing but is expected to take several decades. The plant was severely damaged in 2011 due to a massive tsunami triggered by a magnitude 9 earthquake. Despite this damage, Tepco has continued to carry out routine inspections of tanks containing treated water to detect any abnormalities since it is impossible to inspect their interiors without using underwater robots.