November 22, 2011
Japan Atomic Energy Commission announces roadmap for decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station

The JAEC convened the 5^th Advisory Committee on Mid- to Long-Term Measures for Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station on October 28^th, at which they announced their Draft Report on a roadmap for decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.
The decommissioning roadmap for the Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station in the U.S.A. where a core meltdown accident occurred was used as a reference.
According to the captioned report:

- Work will begin immediately after the reactor has achieved safe "cold shutdown."
- In approx. 2014, a new crane will be installed and work will begin on retrieving the nuclear fuel from the spent fuel pools.
- In approx. 2021, work will begin on retrieving the nuclear fuel from the interior of the reactor vessel.
- Thereafter, decontamination and dismantling of the reactor will take place. All work is expected to be completed on/after 2041.
- Overseas entities will cooperate.

Needless to say, it will take at least 30 years until the reactor can be completely decommissioned. However, this is deemed to be a contingent roadmap, as unforeseen circumstances could arise.

Japan Atomic Energy Commission Report:
http://www.aec.go.jp/jicst/NC/tyoki/sakutei/siryo/sochi5/index.htm
(Japanese only)

(November 22, 2011, K.I.)