Perspective of HTGR and its commercial development

Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF) has recently conducted a survey on 'Future Perspective on Nuclear Heat Application,' focusing on HTGRs, such as small and modular HTGRs as seen in South African Pebble Bed Modular Reactor and US-Russian Gas Turbine Modular Helium Reactor Commercialization Programs now under way. The study investigated the issues to be solved for commercialization and their countermeasures were identified from viewpoints of technology, economy, regime, regulation and international cooperation. Development scenarios suitable for Japan were discussed for electricity generation systems, which can be commercialized in a relatively earlier stage, and for heat applications from a long-term point of view. An action plan on the role of the HTGR in the national nuclear energy policy was summarized as a proposal to the government. (author)