Ballooning costs

NHK video :

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/nhknewsline/nuclearwatch/ballooningcosts/

Japanese officials estimate that the cost of dealing with the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear accident will nearly double to more than 170 billion dollars.

The officials add that the cost of decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant is likely to quadruple, to about 70 billion dollars. And 70 billion dollars will be needed for compensation because farmers will be seeking damages.

The cost of decontamination work is also likely to increase from a previous estimate of 35 billion dollars.

The government will temporarily shoulder some of the compensation costs, and later seek repayment from Tokyo Electric Power Company. Other utilities are similarly shouldering part of the burden, meaning higher electricity bills for users.

The officials are also working on a reform plan for TEPCO in the hope of diverting its profits to pay for the decommissioning, but the ballooning costs threaten to jeopardize this plan.

The government hopes to decide how the financial burden will be shared by the end of the year.