Deliberation of Post-3.11 Fast Reactor R&D Strategy in Japan

The severe accident on 11 March 2011 at the Fukuhsima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan has changed the public perception towards nuclear power and it is now predicted that nuclear power will decrease its contribution to energy supply in the long term. Taking this prediction into consideration, Japan is in the process of deliberating the future R&D strategy for the SFR and its fuel cycle technology. Currently, the following are under discussion as major R&D objectives for the SFR and its fuel cycles technology: (1) to accomplish the full power operation of MONJU, improving its safety feature in accordance with new safety standards to be set by the NRA; (2) to explore innovative fast reactor technology for reducing the amount and toxic level of radioactive waste, (3) to explore innovative technologies for strengthening the safety of SNRs and (4) to support innovation in nuclear energy technology, safety, waste management, non-proliferation and security relevant to fast reactors and their fuel cycle technology. As these are major objectives of R&D for a sustainable nuclear energy system, Japan will carry out activities to achieve these objectives in close cooperation with the international community. (author)