Research and Development
Decommissioning work at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station is being conducted with the help of such tools as remotely operated robots, since the work is carried out in environments with high radiation levels and involves considerable difficulties and complexity. Research and development efforts are being made, gathering the collective expertise of research institutions, corporations, and others in Japan and overseas. In addition, an open innovation platform is being used to make known the needs at the Power Station site and for broad solicitation of knowledge and technologies applicable to them. Along with use in the decommissioning work at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, this initiative will make the obtained knowledge and technologies available for use in many other kinds of situations throughout the world.
Use of Robot Technology
Remotely operated robots are being used to achieve stabilization after the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and to carry out the decommissioning work. The use of robots in place of human beings to investigate inside the reactor buildings, and reflecting their findings in planning subsequent work, are helping to minimize radiation exposure and other risks from the work. Further use of remote operation technologies is expected, notably for decontamination in indoor areas with high radiation levels, and for the steps on the way to retrieving fuel debris in reactor containment vessels and pressure vessels. TEPCO is receiving assistance and cooperation from companies and institutions in Japan and abroad in robotics and related technologies. We continue to be grateful for the cooperation of many parties ever since the accident. We ask for your understanding and cooperation as we move steadily forward with the long-term decommissioning project.
Example of robot use for survey inside containment vessel
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Unit 1
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Unit 2
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Unit 3
Courtesy of: International Research Institute for Nuclear Decommissioning (IRID)
Open Innovation Platform
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TEPCO CUUSOO was established as a platform enabling us to work closely with partner companies on solving issues we cannot manage alone, while together expanding business opportunities and co-creating new value. In the decommissioning work at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station as well, the platform is being used to make known the needs at the site of the work and for broad solicitation of knowledge and technologies applicable to them.
