The development of fast breeder reactors in Japan

Japan expects nuclear power to be more economic and efficient in practice than thermal power plants on a petroleum basis. However, the authors point out that the limited Uranium reserves for nuclear power plants and their increasing demand shall lead to a bottle-neck in the supply situation and to higher prices in a near future. Of course an improved Uranium industry is a difficult task in a country like Japan. There is no doubt that the fast breeder reactor is the best answer to this question. One might expect the Japanese utilities to actively promote the development of fast breeder reactors under this aspect: they should become one of the most important source of electric power for Japan in the 21st century. (orig./UA)