Subjects of atomic energy administration in Japan

The energy demand in Japan has changed through first and second oil crises such as energy conservation and the conversion of industrial structures. For example, in 1980, the economical growth of 4.2 % has been attained while the oil consumption decreased by about 20 %. The demandsupply condition of petroleum shows relaxation trend, but from the long-term viewpoint, it is still severe. For Japan, the stable supply of petroleum, the introduction of substitute energy and energy conservation must be advanced powerfully. Recently, electric power cost has risen, and in order to check it, nuclear power generation must be promoted. First, the location of power sources must be promoted. The nuclear fuel cycle must be independently established as nuclear power generation increased. The long term direction of nuclear power development is the standardization of reactors peculiar to Japan and the development of the reactors of new types. Japan must actively respond to the international environment around nuclear power. The present state and future prospect of nuclear power development in the world, the safety and reliability of nuclear power, the economic efficiency of nuclear power generation, electric power fee in the world, the promotion of the location of electric power sources and others are discussed. (Kako, I.)