Electricity and Atomic Power

Abstract

After the war, consumption of electricity has markedly been increased together with the progress of the economics and also the elevation of the na tional living standard. This tendency will continue in the future. The enterpriser, from the long-term points of view, is making efforts for the steady supply of electricity as well as the improvement of service. In the near future, the energy resources in the world will no doubt become exhausted. Here lies a background to actively urge the introduction of atomic power generation. Atomic power generation was first achieved experimentally in U. S. A. in 1951. Although its history is very short, development of atomic power generation has rapidly been made in recent years. In Japan, Japan Atomic Research Institute succeeded in the generation of 12, 500kW by the small power in testing reactor 1963.At present plants of 300, 000-400, 000kW generation capacity are to be installed in several sites. It is expected that electricity of less than t 21 kWh will be gained by the atomic power generation, and according to the present uran reserves, energy supply by atomic power will be semi-permanently guaranteed. In Japan the plant cost is estimated to be about 30% higher than that in foreign countries owing to the high money rates, the thick population density as well as the natural conditions of earthquakes, etc. Ho wever, its reduction is possible by enlarging the unit generating volume . Generating cost by atomic power will be equivalent to that by coal in 1970 and by fuel oil in 1975, and in more future date it will become more reduced. There are many who feel uneasy aboutthe safety of the reactor, but there is no anxiety.