Report of partitioning and transmutation technology development working group

It is widely expected to pursue the radioactive waste partitioning and transmutation technology development which can efficiently decrease the environmental burden. Under these circumstances, following subjects have been discussed and examined through the activities of working group which is consisted of wide range of specialists inside JNC. Significance and objective of the partitioning and transmutation, technology development targets of the partitioning and transmutation, nuclides to be partitioned and transmuted. Following results have been obtained. The significance and objective of the partitioning and transmutation, which have not been recognized commonly in JNC, have been clearly stated. Such stepwise targets as the first step (present), the second step (intermediate), and the ultimate target, have been set. Nuclides to be partitioned and transmuted have been selected under the three view points of 'radioactivity and radiotoxity', 'efficiency improvement of repository', and 'effective use'. As for the isotopic separation, which is considered to be important in the second step, feasibility of the technology has been studied in necessity and technical availability view points. Furthermore, information exchange between the related sections among JNC has been made through the introduction of collaboration researches with abroad and the irradiation experiments of MA and LLFP at JOYO. (author)