A view on future nuclear reactors

Japanese utility companies envision the continued and increased use of nuclear power in producing electricity to ensure stable supply of electricity with reasonable price while caring for the environment. Although two types of Advanced Light Water Reactors have successfully been developed in Japan and one of them (ABWR) is now being deployed, further activities targetted to their evolutionary improvements is underway. The next generation ALWR, while based upon new technological advances, is expected not only to satisfy in higher degree the utilities requirements in plant operation and maintenance but also to accommodate the possible changes in the social infrastructure relevant to nuclear power business in the years to come. Although a gradual transition to fast breeder reactor era is a logical choice for a country like JAPAN with scarce natural resources, further technological advances are expected to reduce its capital cost penalty over the ALWR. (author)