Dependence of long-term fuel demands on reactor type, (1). Effects of plutonium recycling and plutonium producing reactors

Material requirements in the long-term fuel cycle, such as the cumulative demand for natural U and for separative work are analyzed, assuming an anticipated growth-rate for nuclear generating capacity in Japan. In this first report, the limitations inherent in a simple system consisting solely of light water reactors and fast breeders are discussed, and an examination is made on the effects brought by the introduction of Pu recycling and/or Pu producing reactors. It is shown that the Pu recycling reactors provide a short-term relief at the expense of long-term sufficiency of supply. This last item, however, can be eased to appreciable extent by the pervasion, in parallel with fast breeders, of thermal converter reactors with high Pu producing rate. Considerations are presented on the strategic repartition of generating capacity according to reactor types. Estimations of fuel cycle costs are also given. (author)