Japanese utilities` plutonium utilization program

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · JNMM

OSTI ID:372563

Matsuo, Yuichiro

Japan`s 10 utility companies are working and will continue to work towards establishing a fully closed nuclear fuel cycle. The key goals of which are: (1) reprocessing spent fuel; (2) recycling recovered uranium and plutonium; and (3) commercializing fast breeder technology by around the year 2030. This course of action by the Japanese electric power industry is in full accordance with Japan`s national policy outlined in the government`s report ``The Long-Term Program for Research, Development, and Nuclear Energy,`` which was published in June 1994. The Japanese civilian nuclear program is a long-term program that looks into the 21st century and beyond. It is quite true that sustaining the recycling option for energy security and the global environment demands a large investment. For it to be accepted by the public, safety must be the highest priority and will be pursued at a great cost if necessary. In its history, Japan has learned that as technology advances, costs will come down. The Japanese utility industry will continue investment in technology without compromising safety until the recycling option becomes more competitive with other options. This effort will be equally applied to the development of the commercial FBRs. The Japanese utility industry is confident that Japan`s stable policy and strong objective to develop competitive and peaceful technology will contribute to the global economy and the environment without increasing the threat of plutonium proliferation.

• OSTI ID: 372563
• Journal Information: JNMM, Journal Name: JNMM Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 24; ISSN JNMMEK; ISSN 0893-6188
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
COMMERCIALIZATION
FBR TYPE REACTORS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
JAPAN
MIXED OXIDE FUELS
NUCLEAR ENERGY
PHYSICAL PROTECTION
PLUTONIUM RECYCLE
RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT
SECURITY
WATER COOLED REACTORS