Nuclear power in Japan

The history of development and present status of nuclear power in Japan are described. By 90ies the nuclear power will be based mainly on light-water reactors. The main reasons of failures in BWR and PWR reactors of USA design (intergranular corrosion and fatigue cracking of pipelines, thinning of walls in steam generator tubes) and forms of chemical processing for eliminating these reasons are described. Measures are discussed on increasing the duration of NPP continued operation, that attains 1 year, as well as on increasing the load factor (LF). A program of light water reactor development is given, primary attention being paid to development of the next generation of light water advanced reactors A-BWR and A-PWR based on the international cooperation. Problems associated with automation of refuelings, decrease of exposure dose to the personnel, reduction of NPP construction duration are discussed. It is noted that the cost of electric power generated at the Japan NPPs is by 20-40% lower than that of the conventional power plants, the LF of 100% at the highest 400-days' continued operation being attained during the first year of operation at the Japan BWR ''Fukusima 2-1''