A key component of Japan's nuclear fuel recycling project, which has been plagued by problems over the past 20 years, will instead focus on research to reduce the volume of nuclear waste, according to a high-ranking executive of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
A key component of Japan's nuclear fuel recycling project, which has been plagued by problems over the past 20 years, will instead focus on research to reduce the volume of nuclear waste, according to a high-ranking executive of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
The Monju prototype fast-breeder reactor in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, had been considered vital in the government's plan to recycle spent nuclear fuel. However, a series of safety problems at the reactor have halted operations since it started up in 1994, including a fire caused by a huge leak of sodium in 1995.
"I have given instructions to party officials to consider looking into research to reduce the volume of highly radioactive waste and shortening the period over which those materials remain dangerous," Sanae Takaichi, the LDP policy chief, said about Monju's role on a program broadcast over Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK) on Feb. 16.
There is, as yet, no final repository for the highly radioactive waste that is a byproduct from nuclear power generation. That situation has been criticized as being similar to "a condominium with no toilets."
"It is possible to reduce the volume of such waste to one-quarter and shorten the period the materials are a danger to one-10th the current levels," Takaichi said on the NHK program. "Research and development will become another part of the economic growth strategy."
If the goal to shorten the period the materials are dangerous is achieved, the waste would become harmless to humans in about 10,000 years rather than the current estimate of 100,000 years.
In the draft of a basic energy plan compiled in December by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, mention was made of research and development to reduce the amount of nuclear waste.
Takaichi's comments are an indication that further efforts will be made to strengthen the research capabilities in the plan, which will determine the mid- to long-term course of the nation's energy policy.
"I believe the economy minister will present the draft to the ruling coalition in about one week," Takaichi said regarding the basic energy plan. "We hope to finalize the plan before the end of the current fiscal year."