IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo on Tuesday. (Photo: M. Klingenboeck/IAEA)
In Japan this week, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Tuesday and offered a complete report on the IAEA’s unbiased security assessment of Japan’s plan to launch handled water from the Fukushima Daiichi plant into the ocean. The security assessment concluded that Japan’s plans are according to IAEA Safety Standards, which function a worldwide reference for shielding individuals and the surroundings.
“This comprehensive report makes the science of the treated water release clear for the international community, and it answers the technical questions related to safety that have been raised,” Mr Grossi mentioned. “The IAEA notes the controlled, gradual discharges of the treated water to the sea, as currently planned and assessed by TEPCO, would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment.”
The report is the result of practically two years of labor by an IAEA Task Force made up of prime specialists from throughout the Agency suggested by internationally recognised nuclear security specialists from eleven international locations. Read the total report right here.
Prime Minister Kishida acknowledged that he would by no means approve any discharge that has antagonistic impacts on the well being of the individuals of Japan and the world, in addition to surroundings, and Japan will proceed to offer detailed explanations primarily based on scientific proof in a extremely clear method, each domestically and internationally.
During his 4-7 July go to, the Director General travelled to the Fukushima Prefecture, the place he hosted a convention with locals in Iwaki, the biggest metropolis in Fukushima. “Your concerns are key to IAEA’s work,” Mr Grossi mentioned, as he met with mayors, fishmen associations and native teams. “We’re here to listen, explain and ensure safety – and we’ll stay here true to our commitment before, during and after the treated water discharge,” he added.
At the Fukushima Daiichi plant, Mr Grossi formally opened an IAEA workplace on the website. “We’ll continue to provide transparency with live continuous monitoring throughout treated water discharge process,” he mentioned. “Our task is just starting – we’re here for the long haul.”
Since the battle in Ukraine started in February 2022, the IAEA has been monitoring the scenario. Mr Kishida expressed Japan’s assist for the IAEA’s work in Ukraine and the 5 primary rules to stop a nuclear accident at Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), which have been established by Mr Grossi on the UN Security Council in May.
Mr Grossi met with Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, who reiterated Japan’s assist for the IAEA’s work in the direction of nuclear security and safety in Ukraine. The two additionally mentioned non-proliferation points.
“The IAEA plays a key role in critical issues on the international agenda,” Mr Grossi mentioned. “I am grateful for Japan’s support of IAEA’s work in non-proliferation, nuclear safety and security, and promoting peaceful nuclear energy use for global goals.” Japan has been a member of the IAEA for the reason that Agency’s inception in 1957. It is at the moment collaborating in 31 technical cooperation tasks, overlaying the agricultural, environmental and well being care sectors.
In Tokyo, the Director General additionally met with different high-level officers, together with Yasutoshi Nishimura, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, and Shinsuke Yamanaka, Chairman of the Nuclear Regulation Authority.
In conferences with President and CEO of Astellas Pharma, Naoki Okamura, and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s Honorary Chairman Yohei Sasakawa and President Atsushi Sunami, Mr Grossi mentioned the IAEA’s work in the direction of growth objectives by means of nuclear methods and IAEA tasks like Rays of Hope, NUTEC Plastics and ZODIAC.
The IAEA companions with international locations and the personal sector to implement such initiatives: Rays of Hope helps low- and middle-income international locations set up and enhance entry to radiation-based medical applied sciences; NUTEC Plastics integrates nuclear and isotopic methods to deal with plastic air pollution; and ZODIAC helps international locations’ efforts to deal with ailments that unfold from animals to people – referred to as zoonotic ailments.
On Thursday, Mr Grossi visited the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant. He toured the uranium enrichment plant, MOX gas fabrication plant and the joint on-site lab the place IAEA conducts safeguards. “The Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant is a crucial part of Japan’s nuclear fuel cycle,” Mr Grossi mentioned. “As the plant moves towards operation, we’re set to enhance our presence.”
Mr Grossi additionally visited the Rokkasho Fusion Institute, which is “a testament to Japan’s commitment to advancing nuclear technology,” he mentioned. “It’s inspiring to see the progress and dedication in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.”
On Friday, the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum hosted Mr Grossi for a gathering with firms throughout completely different sectors. Mr Grossi mentioned the IAEA’s flagship initiatives, like Rays of Hope and NUTEC Plastics. Last 12 months, Mr Grossi invited Japanese firms to accomplice with the IAEA to assist scale up the worldwide battle towards most cancers by means of Rays of Hope. “Partnerships with the private sector are vital to our efforts to tackle world challenges and to meet global goals,” he mentioned.
Source: IAEA