The plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco), pumped a small quantity of water from the plant yesterday, two days after the plan was approved by Japan's government.
Tepco said the release began at 1.03pm local time and it had not identified any abnormalities with the seawater pump or the surrounding facilities.
Live video showed engineers behind computer screens and an official saying, after a countdown, that the "valves near the seawater transport pumps are opening".
Monitors from the UN atomic watchdog, which endorsed the plan, were due to be on site for the procedure, while Tepco workers were scheduled to take water samples later in the day.
The discharge, which is expected to take 30 to 40 years, has caused anger in neighbouring countries and concern among fishers that it will destroy their industry as consumers steer clear of seafood caught in and around Fukushima.
Denne historien er fra August 25, 2023-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Denne historien er fra August 25, 2023-utgaven av The Guardian.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Post Office boss asked about his pay and bonuses 'more than expected', says board member
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Murdoch property group raises offer for Rightmove to £6.2bn as deadline looms
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Revealed Alli gave PM a further £16,000 gift of clothing
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