Japan: desire for energy independence

The state of the art of nuclear power development in Japan is reviewed. Given is a list of operating, constructing and planning NPPs as well as prototype reactors. Problems of NPP components and parameters improvement are discussed. Problems of their seismic stability and problems related to fuel cycle are discussed as well. It is noted that the purpose of the Japan energy program emphasizing on NPP construction is decreasing the dependence of the country on the import of oil and other types of fuel. It is underlined that in the nearest future PWR and BWR reactors will be mainly used at NPPs. High priority in developing nuclear power is given to its safety. Besides application of different measures for controlling NPP safety created is a system for early detection of defects of operating components which permits to exclude accidents earlier occurring at NPPs. The work has been done an creating an information system for data processing with accounting for mechanical properties of materials, programming of possible sequences and taking measures to exclude accidents. Much attention is paid to the problem of thermal release of NPP and dissipation of this heat. Work is in progress on improvement of the domestic production process of isotope separation using centrifuges. At present spent fuel is regenerated at the Tokai facility as well as under contracts in Great Britain and France. Japan will be able to satisfy regeneration requirements by itself after 1990