Released June 17, 2011 | KOFU-SHI, JAPAN
en
Researched by Industrial Info Resources East Asia (Kofu-shi, Japan)--Tokyo Electric Power Company Incorporated (TYO:9501) (TEPCO) (Tokyo) has delayed the start of an on-site water treatment facility at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station, citing more leaks and trouble with cesium absorption barrels. The utility company has yet to take into account how disposal of radioactive waste from the treatment facility will affect its roadmap to recovery.
Last month, TEPCO revised its roadmap, stating that the first phase, dedicated to ensuring the decrease in radioactive emissions, would be concluded by mid-July. However, cooling efforts have continuously increased the amount of standing irradiated water, which is preventing workers from approaching the unit housings, let alone set foot inside them. A working treatment facility would allow TEPCO to recycle water and gradually decrease emissions, though it is not clear at this point whether or not Phase II of the roadmap will be concluded within three to six months.
The treatment facility, which is of Areva (EPA:CEI) (Courbevoie, France) design, will have to remain in operation as long as cooling efforts continue. When it is brought online, TEPCO will be faced with a substantial amount of radioactive waste, expected to reach 2,000 cubic meters by the year's end. Costs to operate the treatment facility and dispose of highly radioactive waste are likely to be high.
Echoing Fukushima's troubles are several standard water treatment centers and sewage treatment facilities throughout northeastern Japan. Residue from treatment processes is testing positive for radioactive materials such as cesium. Contamination from Fukushima Daiichi entered the atmosphere, combined with precipitation and was then collected through storm drains and open sewage grates.
The amount of residue collected at regional treatment facilities is expected to increase, but the national government has yet to direct local governments in disposal methods. Irradiated debris and contaminated soil will only compound problems with residue from treatment facilities and waste proper from Fukushima Daiichi.
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. IIR's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities.
Last month, TEPCO revised its roadmap, stating that the first phase, dedicated to ensuring the decrease in radioactive emissions, would be concluded by mid-July. However, cooling efforts have continuously increased the amount of standing irradiated water, which is preventing workers from approaching the unit housings, let alone set foot inside them. A working treatment facility would allow TEPCO to recycle water and gradually decrease emissions, though it is not clear at this point whether or not Phase II of the roadmap will be concluded within three to six months.
The treatment facility, which is of Areva (EPA:CEI) (Courbevoie, France) design, will have to remain in operation as long as cooling efforts continue. When it is brought online, TEPCO will be faced with a substantial amount of radioactive waste, expected to reach 2,000 cubic meters by the year's end. Costs to operate the treatment facility and dispose of highly radioactive waste are likely to be high.
Echoing Fukushima's troubles are several standard water treatment centers and sewage treatment facilities throughout northeastern Japan. Residue from treatment processes is testing positive for radioactive materials such as cesium. Contamination from Fukushima Daiichi entered the atmosphere, combined with precipitation and was then collected through storm drains and open sewage grates.
The amount of residue collected at regional treatment facilities is expected to increase, but the national government has yet to direct local governments in disposal methods. Irradiated debris and contaminated soil will only compound problems with residue from treatment facilities and waste proper from Fukushima Daiichi.
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. IIR's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities.
