Japan to Cover Damaged Nuclear Reactors with Giant Tents
Updated: Friday, 13 May 2011, 8:07 AM EDT
Published : Friday, 13 May 2011, 8:07 AM EDT
Published : Friday, 13 May 2011, 8:07 AM EDT
(Dow Jones) - Giant polyester covers will soon be placed around the damaged reactor buildings at Japan's Fukushima nuclear complex to help contain the release of radioactive substances into the atmosphere, the plant operator said Friday.
Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) will install the first cover at the No. 1 reactor, the focus of recent stabilization efforts, starting next month.
Workers will erect a steel framework and place a giant polyester tent-like cover around the reactor building. Similar covers will be placed around units No. 3 and 4. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
A series of hydrogen explosions blew off the roofs and upper walls of the three reactors in the days after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami knocked out their cooling systems, triggering the overheating of the reactors.
The explosions scattered a large amount of radioactive debris in the area around the reactors. Workers will have to clear the debris near the No. 1 unit so that cranes and other heavy equipment can approach the reactor. TEPCO said it began shifting debris from the area around the unit Friday.
The damaged buildings have come to symbolize the severity of the nuclear crisis at the plant, the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl in 1986.
The loss of the roofs and filters above the reactors has led to the steady release of radioactive substances from the complex, prompting calls for measures to contain contamination in the surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, the government announced a comprehensive plan to rescue TEPCO and fund compensation claims that are expected to total more than $30 billion.
The approval by the cabinet of Prime Minister Naoto Kan came after last-minute disputes within the ruling party over how heavily the company should be penalized and who in the end would pay the massive costs.
"The government, as it recognizes its social responsibility in having so far promoted nuclear power policy in coordination with nuclear power operators, is going to support Tokyo Electric Power ... while aiming to minimize the burden on the people," the government said in announcing the plan.
TEPCO and the government have not released any estimates, but Bank of America-Merrill Lynch has said the total amount could be from ¥2.5 trillion to ¥4 trillion ($31 billion to $49 billion).
Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) will install the first cover at the No. 1 reactor, the focus of recent stabilization efforts, starting next month.
Workers will erect a steel framework and place a giant polyester tent-like cover around the reactor building. Similar covers will be placed around units No. 3 and 4. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
A series of hydrogen explosions blew off the roofs and upper walls of the three reactors in the days after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami knocked out their cooling systems, triggering the overheating of the reactors.
The explosions scattered a large amount of radioactive debris in the area around the reactors. Workers will have to clear the debris near the No. 1 unit so that cranes and other heavy equipment can approach the reactor. TEPCO said it began shifting debris from the area around the unit Friday.
The damaged buildings have come to symbolize the severity of the nuclear crisis at the plant, the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl in 1986.
The loss of the roofs and filters above the reactors has led to the steady release of radioactive substances from the complex, prompting calls for measures to contain contamination in the surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, the government announced a comprehensive plan to rescue TEPCO and fund compensation claims that are expected to total more than $30 billion.
The approval by the cabinet of Prime Minister Naoto Kan came after last-minute disputes within the ruling party over how heavily the company should be penalized and who in the end would pay the massive costs.
"The government, as it recognizes its social responsibility in having so far promoted nuclear power policy in coordination with nuclear power operators, is going to support Tokyo Electric Power ... while aiming to minimize the burden on the people," the government said in announcing the plan.
TEPCO and the government have not released any estimates, but Bank of America-Merrill Lynch has said the total amount could be from ¥2.5 trillion to ¥4 trillion ($31 billion to $49 billion).
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