The debris removal process at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant began on September 10 after three years of postponement.

The delayed removal process was due to start on August 22 but was postponed again after an issue was found with the installation of the removal device.

A device similar to a fishing rod was put inside the containment vessel of unit two on the morning of September 10.

The device will be operated remotely to collect the debris due to extremely high radiation levels inside.

The first 3 grams or less of debris will be removed in about two weeks if the operation proceeds without any issues.

It is estimated that there is a total of approximately 880 tons of debris in the three reactors that experienced meltdowns.

Small amount of debris will be removed on a trial basis for the time being and transported to an analysis facility in Ibaraki Prefecture for analysis including  its composition.

The operator Tokyo Electric Power Company plans to begin large-scale debris removal in the 2030s.

However, TEPCO is yet to develop a device to crush and transport the debris, and decide where to store them.