The Historical Development of the Japanese Power Reactor

Abstract

Last year marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation (PRNFDC). It was planned from the beginning to develop two types of reactors, the fast neutron breeder and the hot neutron reactor. With regard to the hot neutron reactor however, a debate ensued as to whether to adopt the 'light water reactor' developed in the United States or the heavy-water cool reactor that enabled a more efficient use of uranium. The electric power companies favoured the former whereas the project team opted for the latter. The views of the project team prevailed and in 1966 the approval of the National Atomic Power Committee was obtained. Subsequent to the discussion on this undertaking at the Diet, the PRNFDC began its operations in 1967. The fast neutron breeder became known as "Monju" and the hot neutron reactor as "Fugen". The timing of this project coincided with Japan's period of high economic growth. Consistent with the general outlook prevailing during that period, it enjoyed widespread support among government, industry and academia who looked forward to their implementation. This is no doubt a major reason for the overall success of the power reactor development efforts in Japan. In twenty-five years, society's views on the subject have changed considerably, but the long0term nature of nuclear reactor development cannot easily accommodate such social variability. It is now time however to conduct an evaluation of the management and control methods developed during the quarter of a century since the project was started.