Safety research activities for Japanese regulations of spent fuel interim storage facilities

Japan Nuclear Energy Safety Organization (JNES) carries out (a) preparation of technical documents, (b) technical evaluations of standards (prepared by academic societies), etc. and (c) other R and D activities, to support Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA: which prepares necessary regulations for Spent Fuel Interim Storage Facilities). In 2010 fiscal year, JNES completed technical evaluation of the standard (prepared by Atomic Energy Society of Japan) used for the storage facility (dual purpose cask system) being constructed in Mutsu-City and R and D for UT test of welded canister lids which is required for concrete cask storage facilities. And also, JNES is preparing dynamic test of spent fuel to examine the integrity of spent fuel at cask drop accidents and PWR spent fuel storage test to prove long term integrity of spent fuel and cask itself. The results of these tests will be reported in 2011 and 2012 fiscal year. (author)