November 10, 2000
Federation of Electric Power Companies

Nine of Japanﾕs major electric power companies (Hokkaido Electric Power Company, Tohoku Electric Power Company, Tokyo Electric Power Company, Chubu Electric Power Company, Hokuriku Electric Power Company, Kansai Electric Power Company, Chugoku Electric Power Company, Shikoku Electric Power Company, and Kyushu Electric Power Company), along with the Japan Atomic Power Company, announced today that they have decided to commercialize MOX fuel processing operations in Japan. In addition, they have requested that Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited (JNFL) serve as the main operator of the facility, on the assumption that it would be located in Rokkasho village, Aomori prefecture.

Those of us working in the electric power field believe that the domestic commercialization of MOX fuel processing is an important component in efforts to establish a nuclear fuel cycle in resource-poor Japan. With this in mind, we have conducted surveys and studies over an extended period of time. In October 1998, we commissioned JNFL to conduct more detailed surveys and studies focusing on technical surveys, safety measures, and facility overviews that have been implemented both in Japan and abroad. These activities have continued with the goal of commercialization in mind.

As a result of these efforts, it has been found that MOX fuel processing technologies in Japan and abroad, in combination with uranium fuel processing technologies in Japan, can be appropriately utilized to establish a fully safe and reliable facility. Preliminary calculations also indicate that, from an economic standpoint, the cost of constructing such a facility in Japan would be no more expensive than building a comparable facility abroad. Therefore, it was concluded that the commercialization of MOX fuel processing in Japan is an entirely feasible proposition.

With regard to the main operator of the proposed facility, JNFL was judged to be the most appropriate choice for the following reasons: it can effectively utilize the expertise it has gained through the execution of spent-fuel reprocessing operations; it can operate the proposed facility in tandem with existing reprocessing facilities; and it is an internationally recognized nuclear fuel cycle operator, which will enable it to easily gain the cooperation of other countries as it pursues its duties.

Details of the proposed operations are provided separately.

Appendix

1. Plant Site
The following necessary conditions were taken into consideration in selecting a plant site:
-	Adequate space
-	Stable ground
-	Appropriate infrastructure for constructing and operating the facility
In addition, the following factors were also considered:
-	Stability and economic feasibility of raw material and product transport
-	Reduction of construction costs through the joint use of existing facilities
As a result of these considerations, it was concluded that the most appropriate site for the proposed plant is immediately adjacent to the existing nuclear fuel reprocessing plant, on the grounds of the JNFL reprocessing compound, in Rokkasho village. Special consideration was given to two further advantages of this site: 1) MOX powder, which is the raw material for processing, can be stably and economically transported because the proposed MOX fuel processing plant can be connected to the reprocessing plant underground; and 2) construction costs can be reduced through the joint use of existing facilities.
2. Basic Specifications
-	MOX powder (raw material): MOX powder recovered from the Rokkasho reprocessing plant
	(MOX powder is an oxide powder consisting of equal parts of plutonium and uranium.)
-	Uranium used for dilution: depleted uranium
	(Depleted uranium is generated as a by-product during the production of enriched uranium at uranium enrichment facilities. MOX powder will be enriched to the specified level by diluting it with depleted uranium.)
-	Product fuel: MOX fuel for use in light water reactors (PWR, BWR)
-	Maximum processing capacity: Approximately 130 tons per year.
	(The capacity of the proposed facility has been set so that all MOX powder recovered annually from the Rokkasho reprocessing plant can be processed into MOX fuel, taking into consideration future variables. Separate studies will be conducted to determine actual operation plans.)
-	Scale of main building: Approximately 70m × 70m, with a total floor area of 20,000m2.
-	Operating personnel: Slightly less than 300
3. Safety Measures
The assurance of safety is a major premise of the proposed project. All related laws and ordinances, regulations, and standards will of course be obeyed, and all measures that can rationally be achieved will be taken to minimize the risk of radiation exposure for the general population and employees. Specifically, the following safety measures such as the following will be reflected in the design of the facility.
(1)	Measures to contain radioactive substances
		Radioactive substances will be housed securely in layered containers, including glove boxes.
(2)	Measures to shield radiation
		A shield wall will be constructed, and machinery will be automated and remotely controlled.
(3)	Measures to ensure criticality safety
		The MOX powder will be handled in a dry state, and criticality safety will be monitored through a combination of shape and dimension control, mass control, and neutron absorber control.
(4)	Antiseismic measures
		Full antiseismic measures will be taken to ensure that earthquakes of the anticipated size for the area will not cause a major accident.
(5)	Measures to control flying objects
		Measures will be taken to control flying objects in consideration of the unique social environment of the site.
(6)	Measures against fires and explosions
		Fireproof or fire-resistant materials will be used, and the hydrogen concentration in the sintering furnace will be maintained at a level below the minimum required to spark an explosion.
4. Scheduled Initiation of Operations
Operations at the proposed plant will begin approximately three to four years after operations at the reprocessing plant begin. The exact timing will depend on various factors, including how long it takes to accumulate enough MOX powder to begin processing, and how long it takes to construct the facility. Plans for the overall process will be formulated as specific designs for the MOX fuel processing plant are developed.
5. Construction Costs
Total construction costs: Approximately120 billion yen. More detailed estimates will be made as specific designs are developed.