New test plan about safety features of HTGR by using HTTR in JAEA

Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) has High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) which is 30MW test reactor of HTGR. Although the HTTR was not operated after the Fukushima Daiichi accident in 2011, it restarted operation in July 2021. The HTTR can be used to carry out various tests about safety features of HTGR. In 2010, safety demonstration test about a loss of forced cooling (LOFC) condition was carried out under a framework of OECD/NEA. Two LOFC tests with different conditions will be done in early 2022. The LOFC project is an international joint project. After the LOFC, JAEA is planning to launch a new test project. Test theme concerning Xe build-up/decay behavior after reactor scram is one of the attractive new test themes, but not limited to this. This paper presents possible test themes by using the HTTR. JAEA has room to discuss possible new themes with expecting foreign partners to launch an international joint project. (author)