Japan will release treated water from the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power station into the Pacific, a move which was welcomed by the International Atomic Energy Agency as both technically feasible and in line with international practice.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), the station’s operator, will construct equipment to dilute and release the water, which has accumulated since three reactors melted down during the 2011 tsunami that overwhelmed the facility. Discharges will start in about two years, subject to final approval by nuclear regulators.

Japanese authorities said there was no practical alternative to releasing the water as storage space ran out. They said there was no risk to human health and that operating nuclear plants around the world release similar water every day.