Cooperative Nuclear Safety Research Activities at the Nuclear Energy Agency in Response to the Fukushima-Daiichi Accident

Abstract

Since the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which severely damaged the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) has been leading international efforts in nuclear safety research. These activities, coordinated through the Working Group of Accident Management and Analysis (WGAMA) of the Committee on the Safety of Nuclear Installations (CSNI), aim to facilitate the safe decommissioning of FDNPS and enhance safety measures for nuclear power plants (NPPs) globally. Numerous joint projects, including the Benchmark Study of the Accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (BSAF), Preparatory Study on Analysis of Fuel Debris (PreADES), and others, focus on analyzing the accident and preparing for decommissioning.

The most recent initiative, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Accident Information Collection and Evaluation (FACE) project, launched in July 2022, targets key technical challenges identified in recent investigations. However, significant challenges remain in managing the long-term impacts of the FDNPS accident. Continued international collaboration, particularly through ongoing projects like FACE, is crucial to inform decommissioning efforts and enhance accident management for existing and future reactors.

Looking ahead, the NEA plans to organize an international workshop in September 2024 to explore future research directions in accident management, leveraging insights from the Fukushima Daiichi accident. This workshop aims to guide future research efforts and improve safety measures for both operating and future nuclear reactors. Overall, international collaboration and ongoing research endeavors are essential for addressing the complex challenges posed by the Fukushima Daiichi accident and enhancing global nuclear safety standards.