Fukushima Expert to Speak at Carlsbad Summit

    CARLSBAD, NM, February 11, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A nuclear fuel manager with the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station has agreed to make a presentation during the upcoming National Nuclear Fuel Cycle Summit (NNFCS), held April 2-5 in Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Takeshi Ota is the Manager of the Nuclear Fuel Management Group, Nuclear Power Plant Management Department with the Tokyo, Japan, Electric Power Company (TEPCO). Currently in charge of nuclear fuel management at TEPCO's head office, Ota was assigned to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station when the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan on March 11, 2011. The natural disaster triggered a nuclear meltdown at the power station.

Ota assisted with TEPCO's response, working at the company's emergency response center for a month after the disaster. During his presentation in Carlsbad, Ota will present an overview of the accident at Fukushima, the process for achieving stabilization, and the mid and long term roadmap toward decommissioning.

"Fukushima is still on everyone's mind, and what a lot of us think we know is from second and third hand reports," said John Waters, executive director of Carlsbad's Department of Development. "We are incredibly honored that Mr. Ota will attend our summit and provide us with a first-hand account. I hope to see a national response toward attending this amazing educational opportunity."

The Carlsbad Department of Development is hosting the summit. Former U.S. Senator Pete Domenici, New Mexico Environment Department Secretary David Martin and Dr. James Conca are among the list of experts who have agreed to speak during the April 2-5 summit. The NNFCS will focus on the nuclear fuel cycle discussion, and will include renowned experts from the various nuclear-related industries from across the nation.

For more information, contact the CDOD at (800) 658-2709 or e-mail [email protected]. Log on to www.NuclearFuelCycleSummit.org for up to date conference information and to register.

The Carlsbad Department of Development promotes the economic and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Carlsbad and South Eddy County, New Mexico.

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