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The Future of Nuclear Power

Nuclear power will continue to be a major source of energy because of its long-term supply stability, environmental appropriateness, and economic viability (estimated to be approximately the same as fossil fuel power). It is therefore rational to make maximum use of nuclear power while maintaining an appropriate mix with other energy sources.

Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Nuclear fuel cycle technologies provide technical improvements that enhance the special characteristics of nuclear power, which include the provision of a stable, long-term energy supply. Japan should therefore pursue its own research and development in this area with decisions made in a long-term, strategic manner.

Ensuring Safety and Reliability

It is important for government administrators and plant operators to improve transparency through positive public disclosure policies and to actively engage in dialogue with citizens from all walks of life.

Efforts must be made to engage in dialogue based on the concept of risk communication.

Decision Making

It is important to encourage public participation in the decision-making process when policies are formulated. In addition to the Round-Table Conference on Nuclear Policy, studies must be conducted on new venues where opinions about nuclear power can be collected.

Harmonious Relations with Local Communities

The national government has a responsibility to provide guidance to help ensure that both the scale and role of the nuclear power industry meet established targets through the process of autonomous investment on the part of the private sector.

The Use of Light-Water Reactors

Constant efforts must be made to review and rationalize safety regulations, including such measures as: making periodic inspections more flexible; permitting operation on the basis of long-term cycles; and changing the emphasis from regulations on electric power output to regulations on heat output.

To make governmental regulatory activities more effective and efficient, active consideration should be given to using the expertise of third-party certification organizations in the private sector.

Uranium Enrichment

It is important to have a stable supply of enriched uranium, and to secure an autonomous nuclear fuel cycle. Working on the basis of previous experience, a new, more economical centrifuge should therefore be developed and installed in the Rokkasho enrichment plant (which is currently operating) so that plant capacity can be steadily raised to the target level of 1,500 ton/SWU per year. In the meantime, every effort should be made to maintain stable plant operation and improve economic performance.

Plutonium-Thermal Power Plants

Japan's electric power companies plan to progressively introduce plutonium-based thermal power generating facilities in 16 to 18 installations by 2010.

The plutonium-thermal project should be steadily promoted. The use of plutonium-thermal plants is an effective way to improve the stability of the nuclear fuel supply, and also makes a significant contribution to the establishment of the industrial infrastructure and social environment needed to prepare for future, full-scale plutonium use.

Private-sector operators must start up MOX fuel processing operations in step with the construction and operation of the Rokkasho reprocessing plant.

Reprocessing

The fundamental approach is to reprocess spent fuel and make effective use of the plutonium, uranium, and other materials that are recovered. Private-sector operators are expected to continue their activities in keeping with this approach. Spent nuclear fuel should be reprocessed in Japan in principle.

Regarding the construction of additional reprocessing facilities after Rokkasho, it is appropriate to begin studying the matter in about 2010, when factors such as the following can be taken into comprehensive consideration: the results achieved through the construction and operation of the Rokkasho plant; future R&D results; the status of interim storage arrangements; and prospects for the practical utilization of fast breeder reactors.

Interim Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel

Interim storage of spent nuclear fuel makes it possible to adjust reprocessing schedules, and is therefore an important means of introducing greater flexibility into the operation of the nuclear fuel cycle as a whole. Private-sector operators are currently making preparations to initiate interim storage operations by 2010.

Prospects for Future Plutonium Use

Efforts will be made to achieve greater transparency, with a commitment to not possessing any plutonium that does not have a clearly defined use.

Disposing of Radioactive Waste

Entities that generate radioactive waste are fundamentally responsible for safely disposing of the waste.

High-Level Radioactive Waste

The basic policy calls for a storage period of 30 to 50 years to cool the waste, followed by disposal underground. In selecting disposal sites, the national government should lead the way in promoting public understanding of the meaning of underground disposal, safety measures, and related concerns. In conducting disposal site surveys, it is important to move steadily forward while respecting the opinions of local residents.

Disposal should begin sometime in the 2030s, and certainly no later than the mid-2040s.

Low-Level Radioactive Waste

Various disposal methods should be considered, including: using a single disposal method at a single site for all waste regardless of its source; and implementing multiple disposal methods at a single disposal site.

Fast Breeder Reactors

Fast breeder reactors are considered a promising technical option as a future energy source that does not rely on fossil fuels. Research and development should therefore be steadily pursued under appropriate evaluative supervision.

The experimental Monju plant should be reactivated quickly to serve as the core facility for research and development.

Specific plans concerning the pilot reactor should be decided after R&D results have been fully evaluated. A flexible approach is needed in all aspects, including the timetable for practical application.

The Effects of Radiation on Living Organisms

Adopting a broad perspective and using a variety of research methods, related institutions should work together to comprehensively pursue basic research on the effects of low-level radiation on the human body.