Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2023
Controversy over Fukushima treated-water discharge
TEPCO's release of treated and diluted water from Fukushima Daiichi was opposed by some neighboring governments, fishing communities and advocacy groups. Japan and the IAEA stated that the discharge plan met relevant safety requirements, but the issue remained politically and commercially contentious. The release of treated and diluted water from Fukushima Daiichi triggered objections from neighboring governments, fishing communities, and other stakeholders. The IAEA concluded that the plan was consistent with relevant international safety standards, but political and commercial controversy continued.
2017
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa safety and security-control failures
Regulators identified deficiencies in TEPCO’s ability to detect and prevent unauthorized access and in the functioning of security-related systems at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear station. These findings contributed to a prohibition on operating the site.
2011
Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster
A tsunami following the Tōhoku earthquake disabled emergency power and cooling at Fukushima Daiichi, causing multiple reactor meltdowns, hydrogen explosions, radioactive releases, evacuations, and extensive compensation and decommissioning obligations. Investigations and public reviews criticized TEPCO's risk assessment, preparedness, safety governance and crisis response. The earthquake and tsunami caused severe damage and core meltdowns at three Fukushima Daiichi reactors. Investigations and public reviews criticized TEPCO's risk assessment, preparedness, safety governance and crisis response. The accident led to evacuation, extensive compensation and a decommissioning program expected to continue for decades. The earthquake and tsunami led to severe core damage, hydrogen explosions, evacuations, contamination concerns, and a decades-long decommissioning effort. Investigations criticized corporate, regulatory, and governmental preparedness and oversight.
2007
Additional concealed nuclear incidents
TEPCO disclosed further unreported events after an internal investigation, including an unexpected criticality and additional false reporting. The disclosures intensified criticism of the company and Japan’s nuclear regulatory system.
2002
False nuclear inspection reporting
Japanese authorities found that TEPCO had falsified inspection information and concealed nuclear-safety incidents over more than two decades. Seventeen boiling-water reactors were shut for inspection and senior executives resigned.
2002
Nuclear inspection-record falsification controversy
TEPCO acknowledged that inspection records associated with nuclear facilities had been improperly altered or concealed. The episode damaged confidence in the company’s reporting and safety culture and led to regulatory and management consequences.