Report of Expert Committee on Nuclear Fuel Recycle, Atomic Energy Commission

In Japan, the research and development of the peaceful use of atomic energy and its industrialization have been advanced since the middle of 1950s, and at present, nuclear power accomplishes the important role as one of basic energies in Japanese energy supply. Recently, because of the interest in the protection of global environment and the unstable situation in Mid East, the concept of restricting the dependence on fossil fuel is emphasized. Therefore, the importance of nuclear power has increased more. The necessity of nuclear fuel recycle in Japan and its significance are discussed. The main points are the reuse of the useful substances in wastes as resources, resulting in the reduction of wastes, to make nuclear power economical and into a stable energy source, and the more proper control of radioactive wastes. The effort for nuclear nonproliferation in Japan is explained. The basic concept of Japanese nuclear fuel recycle plan, the nuclear fuel recycle plan considering the period up to 2010, the system of fabricating MOX fuel and the reprocessing of spent MOX fuel are reported. (K.I.)