Message from the President
The International Research Institute for Nuclear Decommissioning (IRID) was established as a nonprofit mutual benefit corporation in accordance with the Act on Technology Research Association in August 2013, aiming at conducting testing and research on the decommissioning of nuclear power stations (NPSs), improving technological levels for IRID members, and implementing practical technology. Since its establishment, IRID has focused on strengthening the platform of decommissioning technology, undertaking the research and development (R&D) of technology required for the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi NPS, which is an urgent issue. This has been done in cooperation with the Nuclear Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilities Corporation (NDF) that develops decommissioning strategy and R&D plans, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. (TEPCO) that undertakes onsite work, and the Japanese government, all of whom IRID has been closely working with.
IRID has developed various technologies, including investigation technology for inside the primary containment vessel and detection technology for identifying the position of fuel debris through cosmic rays. These R&D achievements have been utilized to clarify the condition inside the reactor. The technological challenges to be overcome are also being identified.
The decommissioning task is being undertaken according to the Mid-and-Long-Term Roadmap for Decommissioning of the TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi NPS, formulated by the government as well as the Technical Strategic Plan for Decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station of TEPCO, developed by the NDF. According to these policies, IRID has been steadily pursuing R&D with a focus on technologies that are required for further detailed investigation inside the reactor and fuel debris retrieval, while implementing technologies overseas.
As stated above, IRID is committed to the recovery of Fukushima while achieving results in the field of R&D required for ensuring the safe decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi NPS.
Furthermore, we would like to contribute to cultivating the next generation involved in decommissioning technology and providing opportunities for corporations with research institutes in Japan as well as overseas.
I sincerely appreciate your guidance, continued support, and kind encouragement.
June 2020
Toyoaki Yamauchi
President
International Research Institute for Nuclear Decommissioning