IAEA Committed to Monitor Treated Water Discharge at Fukushima Daiichi, says Grossi in Japan

The IAEA is committed to independently monitor the planned discharge of treated water into the sea at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant and will provide regular assessments to the Japanese government and the international community, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi told Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo today.

The meeting took place following Mr Grossi's visit to Fukushima Daiichi yesterday, as part of a three-day visit to Japan. Mr Grossi observed the preparations for the discharge of treated water and noted the "remarkable progress on decommissioning at Fukushima Daiichi since my last visit two years ago."

The IAEA is reviewing Japan's policy to discharge treated water from Fukushima Daiichi against relevant international safety standards.

"The continued scientific review and objective review by the IAEA regarding the discharge into the ocean is an extremely significant effort in order to gain an understanding for the public, both at home and abroad," Mr Kishida said at a press conference following the meeting. "Japan intends to continue to respond with utmost transparency; we look forward to continue working with the IAEA."

In February this year, the IAEA Task Force completed a review mission to Japan's Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of Fukushima Daiichi, and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). "Japan has made significant progress in its preparations, and the IAEA Task Force is satisfied that TEPCO and METI have identified the appropriate next steps for the water discharge scheduled for 2023," Mr Grossi said. "The IAEA is committed to providing a thorough safety review before, during and after the release of treated water and to carrying out our work in an objective and transparent manner."