The government-linked nuclear decommissioning body said Friday it received expressions of interest from 779 companies and individuals with technology to help contain radioactive water spills at the wrecked Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant after Japan launched a global appeal.
Tokyo made the appeal between Sept. 25 and Tuesday through the International Research Institute for Nuclear Decommissioning, formed in August to support Tokyo Electric Power Co., according to a statement by the industry ministry. About 30 percent of the proposals came from overseas, ministry official Yoji Ueda said Friday at a briefing.
The technology ranges from separating tritium from radioactive water to building ice walls to stem contaminated water flows into the ocean, according to the statement. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe last month vowed to end the nation's "ad hoc" response to the disaster. The government said it would spend ¥47 billion to stop the leaks.
IRID was formed in August by a group of 17 Japanese companies, including Toshiba Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy industries Ltd., to support efforts by Tepco.
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