Fukushima Daiichi NPS Prompt Report 2017

New Unit 3 Roof Moves Closer to Completion, new KK cooling system being developed

TOKYO, Nov. 1, 2017-Assembly of the new dome roof at Fukushima Daiichi's Unit 3, along with development of an innovative new cooling system at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa NPS, were highlights of the latest quarterly report issued on TEPCO's progress in implementing its Nuclear Safety Reform Plan.

The new roof at Fukushima is an essential element of the efforts to remove fuel assemblies from the spent fuel pool inside the reactor building. During the quarter covered by the report, July-Sept 2017, installation of the second out of eight segments of the new roof was completed. Also during that time, conditions inside the reactor's primary containment vessel were investigated using a submersible robot, photographing what is believed to be fuel debris that has solidified after melting during the March 2011 accident.

At KK's Units 6 and 7 (the two reactors for which TEPCO is seeking government permission to restart), TEPCO is moving forward with the development and installation of a new cooling system that does not require an intentional discharge of radioactive substances in the event of an emergency, and yet still cools the containment vessel thereby preventing pressure increases. During compliance inspections, it was found that this system, which was conceived by TEPCO, is more effective than filter venting equipment.

In addition to these developments, the progress in management and processes is reported, particularly in initiatives to improve safety consciousness, technological capacity, and communications. Of particular note is an effort to ensure that the lessons learned from both the accident and the complex remedial work are captured so that the experience can benefit future generation. This knowledge is being systematically compiled into Fukushima Operating Experience Reports (FOER) based upon documents and interviews with employees. These reports were then presented during forums to share the information, refine the work currently underway, and pass down knowledge to future generations.

An English-language summary of the quarterly report may be seen at: http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/betu17_e/images/171101e0101.pdf

The full report is available at :http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/betu17_e/images/171101e0102.pdf

About TEPCO

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TEPCO) is Japan's largest power company group, holding three independent business entities: TEPCO Fuel & Power, Inc., TEPCO Power Grid, Inc., and TEPCO Energy Partner, Inc. As a group, it generates, distributes, and sells electricity and other types of energy principally to the Kanto metropolitan area, which includes Japan's two most populous cities, Tokyo and Yokohama. Its 42,060 employees are committed to providing safe, reliable power as well as fulfilling its responsibilities to the communities of Fukushima.
(As of April 1, 2017)
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