The removal of highly radioactive fuel from one of the reactors at the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant will not begin in earnest for at least another 12 years, delaying the start of the vital piece of the decommissioning project.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings said it will need 12 to 15 years of preparation – or until 2037 or later – before starting the full-scale removal of melted fuel debris.

The Japanese operator of the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant says the start of full-scale removal of melted fuel debris will be delayed for several years until 2037 or later