Too many uncertainties cloud the feasibility of Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s plan to achieve a cold shutdown of the damaged reactors at the Fukushima No. 1 power plant in six to nine months, experts said Monday.
Tepco announced Sunday it aims to stabilize reactors 1, 2 and 3 to make sure radiation emissions decline in three months and then go for a cold shutdown — in which the temperature of the reactor-core coolants is brought below 100 degrees — in six to nine months.
"There are too many uncertain elements to guarantee the work will be finished in the given time frame," said Tadashi Yoshida, professor at the Nuclear Reactor Laboratory of Tokyo City University. "Tepco is probably aware of the uncertainties. But by announcing the plan, Tepco gave itself a commitment. That is a meaningful thing."