Hamaoka nuclear plant begins reactor dismantling in Japan

Chubu Electric Power has started dismantling the No. 2 reactor at the Hamaoka nuclear power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture. This is a significant milestone, as it is the first time a commercial nuclear reactor has begun dismantling in Japan. On Monday, the company removed the top lid of the reactor. This lid is about 6 meters wide, 3 meters tall, and weighs around 55 tons. Starting March 27, workers will cut the lid into smaller pieces for removal. This cutting process is expected to last until July. The dismantling is part of a larger decommissioning project for both the No. 1 and No. 2 reactors at Hamaoka. After July, Chubu Electric will begin dismantling other structures inside the reactor and continue with the rest of the pressure vessel and radiation shield. Chubu Electric plans to start dismantling the No. 1 reactor in fiscal 2025, which begins next month. Meanwhile, radioactive waste will be stored in the reactor building until the utility decides where to transfer it. The next phase, which is the removal of the reactor building, is scheduled for fiscal 2036. The entire decommissioning process is expected to be completed by fiscal 2042.