The operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant says a retrieval device has successfully grabbed nuclear fuel debris in the containment vessel of the No.2 reactor.
Tokyo Electric Power Company resumed its trial to remove debris from the reactor on Monday.
The trial began in September, but it was suspended for about one and a half months due to a problem with cameras attached to the retrieval equipment.
TEPCO says a grabbing tool was lowered by cable from the tip of the device on Wednesday after the retrieval device was placed inside the reactor containment vessel.
The utility said the tool then scooped up some of the rubble, estimated at several grams.
The debris’ radiation level will be measured after the retrieval device is removed from the containment vessel — an operation that will take several days. If the radiation reading is confirmed to be below a certain level, the debris will be put in a transportation container.
Removing nuclear fuel debris is considered the most challenging step in decommissioning Fukushima Daiichi.
If the current attempt succeeds, it will be the first time debris has been retrieved at the plant since the 2011 accident.