Part of Japan's nuclear policy is to implement the MOX utilization program; that is, to irradiate MOX fuel in conventional light water reactors (LWRs). Because of the fact that discussions are still under way with the local governments and citizens, the commercial use of MOX fuel has yet to begin. Nevertheless, as mentioned at the outset, Japan, scarce in energy resources, is continuing its policy of establishing a nuclear fuel cycle. MOX utilization, therefore, remains a crucial part of completing the fuel cycle. The Japanese electricity industry intends to continue its efforts to garner support and understanding from related parties in order to carry out the MOX utilization program in accordance with this policy.
Fuel consisting of a mixture of uranium and plutonium oxides is referred to as a MOX (mixed oxide) fuel. Uranium fuel consists of enriched uranium in which the concentration of uranium 235 -- the combustible element in natural uranium -- is artificially increased. In MOX fuel, by contrast, anything from 4 to 9 percent plutonium is used in place of enriched uranium to mix with natural uranium or with the uranium that is left after enrichment (i.e., depleted uranium).
"Pluthermal" is a Japanese word that combines the English words of "plutonium" and "thermal." The term "Pluthermal Program" is used to describe the burning of MOX fuel in conventional light water reactors (pressurized and boiling water type).
In promoting the use of plutonium, Japan is determined to live by the peaceful use principle in accordance with the Atomic Energy Basic Law, and to act from the principle of not possessing surplus plutonium. Japan is also determined to use plutonium while taking stringent accountancy measures, along with physical protection and containment surveillance measures, including the adoption of the wide-ranging safeguards set forth by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). You can read more about Japan's strict non-proliferation policies in our special section on this subject.
Plans for the Utilization of Plutonium to be Recovered at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant
March 7, 2008
Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan
Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. (JNFL) has been performing active tests at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant (RRP) since March 2006 using spent fuel. These tests result in the separation of plutonium as a product of reprocessing. The Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan (FEPC) is announcing the Japanese electric utilities' plans to utilize plutonium in FY 2008 as attached, in the interests of transparency.
According to the paper entitled "Concerning the Basic Position on Japan's Use of Plutonium" decided by the Atomic Energy Commission of Japan (AEC) on August 5, 2003, each utility shall announce a "Plutonium Utilization Plan" for its share of the plutonium to be recovered at RRP. In addition, in the "Framework for Nuclear Energy Policy" decided by the AEC on October 11, 2005 and resolved by the Cabinet on October 14, 2005, the utilities are expected to announce their plans for the utilization of plutonium in an appropriate manner.
The Japanese electric utilities are aiming to implement the Pluthermal Program (utilization of plutonium in light water reactors) at between 16 and 18 reactors by FY2010. In the early stage of the program, the utilities are planning to use MOX fuel manufactured overseas using plutonium recovered from overseas reprocessing. Once the Rokkasho MOX fuel fabrication plant commences operation, plutonium recovered at RRP will also be used in due course.
