Japan has started its 12th discharge of treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. The process began this week, with Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) confirming that radiation levels remain below both national and international safety limits. This ongoing release is part of Japan’s plan to safely decommission the damaged plant, more than a decade after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami triggered a nuclear meltdown.
Tepco Confirms Radiation Levels Are Safe
According to Tepco, the treated water being released into the Pacific Ocean contains radioactive materials far below the limits set by the Japanese government. These levels also comply with global standards approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The company uses an advanced system called ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System) to filter out most radioactive elements. Only tritium, a substance considered less harmful in low doses, remains in the treated water.
Annual Release Plan Set for Fiscal Year 2025
For the fiscal year running from April 2025 to March 2026, Tepco plans to carry out seven discharges, totaling 54,600 tons of treated wastewater.
This amount is similar to what was released in the previous fiscal year, showing no major changes in the operation’s scale. So far, six of the seven scheduled rounds are set to be completed by the end of 2025. The final round is expected in March 2026.
“We continue to monitor the environmental impact closely, and safety remains our top priority,” a Tepco spokesperson stated.
Over 86,000 Tons Released Since 2023
The release of treated wastewater from Fukushima first began in August 2023. Since then, about 86,000 tons of treated water has been discharged. The Japanese government says this process is necessary to move forward with the safe shutdown of the nuclear facility.
The plant was severely damaged in March 2011 after a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami hit northeastern Japan. The event caused a meltdown in three reactors and forced tens of thousands of residents to evacuate.
Safety and Environmental Concerns Remain
While Japanese officials and international experts say the releases are safe, some countries and environmental groups remain cautious.
Neighboring nations like China and South Korea have expressed concerns in the past. In response, Japan continues to publish regular data, proving that radiation levels in nearby seawater remain low.
The IAEA has also been reviewing Japan’s release process. In its latest update, the agency confirmed that the practice aligns with global nuclear safety standards.
“The environmental impact has been minimal so far,” said Gustavo Caruso, Director of the IAEA’s Department of Nuclear Safety and Security.
The Road Ahead for Fukushima
The release of treated water is just one part of a larger, multi-decade plan to shut down the Fukushima Daiichi plant. Full decommissioning is expected to take 30 to 40 years.
Tepco continues to build trust through transparency. The company shares water quality results, discharge timelines, and environmental assessments on its official website.
Japan has also invited international scientists to visit the site and observe the process firsthand. These efforts aim to increase public confidence in the program.
A Global Watch on Fukushima
The world is watching Japan’s actions closely. The success of this project could shape how other countries manage nuclear waste in the future.
Despite opposition from some groups, many experts support Japan’s current strategy. They believe the gradual release of well-treated water is better than storing large amounts on land, where tank capacity is limited.
