Wed Feb 19 10:00:31 UTC 2025: ## IAEA Chief Inspects Fukushima Cleanup as Japan Reverses Nuclear Policy
**Tokyo, Japan** – The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Mariano Grossi, visited the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on Wednesday, a day after Japan approved a new energy plan that significantly increases the country’s reliance on nuclear power. This marks a reversal of Japan’s previous commitment to reduce nuclear energy following the 2011 disaster.
The visit comes as Japan grapples with the massive cleanup effort at Fukushima. Around 13 million cubic meters of contaminated soil – enough to fill 10 stadiums – has been removed, with plans to recycle 75% for construction and dispose of the remainder by 2045. The IAEA has deemed Japan’s approach consistent with UN safety standards. However, experts note the high cost and ongoing challenges, including potential impacts on agricultural fertility.
Japan’s new energy strategy aims to increase nuclear power’s share of the energy mix to around 20% by 2040, up from 5.6% in 2022. This shift is driven by increasing energy demands, particularly from AI and microchip industries. While renewable energy sources are slated to become the primary power source by 2040, the return to nuclear power has been met with criticism from some neighboring countries, including China and Russia, which have banned Japanese seafood imports following the release of treated wastewater from the plant in 2023. Despite this, China has stated its intent to gradually resume seafood imports from Japan. The IAEA has endorsed the wastewater release, asserting that tritium levels remain within safe limits. Mr. Grossi emphasized the importance of safety and public confidence in Japan’s nuclear energy resurgence. IAEA experts also collected seawater and fish samples to independently verify the safety of the ongoing operations.
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