Japan’s Nuclear Energy
Development

Akira OMOTO
Project Professor, Tokyo Institute of Technology, andCommissioner, Atomic Energy Commission

Outline

 Historical evolution of Nuclear Energy Programme in JAPANCurrent key challenges
Government and Nuclear Energy
Concluding remarks

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June

1Early days programme

1. Post World War II era• “All facilities for research of Atomic Energy or related matters shall be seized and all persons
engaged in such research taken into custody” (Incoming message from Washington DC
to GHQ Tokyo, dated 31Oct1945)• Consequently, cyclotrons in RIKEN (Physics and Chemistry Lab) and universities weredestroyed and dumped into lake or Pacific Ocean immediately by GHQ.

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June

Riken cyclotron dumped into ocean [source] LIFE
magazine (24December 1945)2

2. “Atoms for Peace” address at the GA of the UN, 8December1953“That new language is the language of atomic welfare”“…..The United States would
seek more than the mere
reduction or elimination of
atomic materials for military
purposes. …..”“…make joint contributions
from their stockpiles ofnormal uranium and fissionable
materials to an international
atomic energy agency. “

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June

32. Early days of Nuclear Energy in Japan
1954: Nuclear research budget JPY235 million (appropriation by the Diet)
1955: 1) Atomic Energy Basic Law• Strictly for peaceful purpose• “For the welfare of human kind and to raise national living standards”• Three principles – democratic decision-making, independent
management, and transparency
2) US-J Nuclear Cooperation agreement put into force
1956: Joined the IAEA and established national organs for nuclear energy (NE)1) Atomic Energy Commission (1956Jan4-)
2) Science and technology agency (Government)
3) Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI)
and The Atomic Fuel Corporation
1957: JAERI’s Japan Research Reactor unit-1 (JRR-1)
reached first criticality
1963: First electricity by JPDR
(JAERI’s Power Demonstration Reactor,
12.5 MWe BWR)
JRR-1
Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June

4

The first AEC meeting 1956Jan4

Atomic Energy Commission

 To plan, deliberate and decide on basic
NE policy
 Immediate deliverable:
Long-term Plan for R&D and
Utilization of NE
1st Long-term Plan for R&D and Utilization of NE (1956)
 Reliance on domestic uranium resources, while import
deficit from outside
 Atomic Fuel Cooperation as a sole reprocessor using
indigenous technology
 Research into indigenous enrichment technology Domestic fast breeder as a target in light of effective
use of resources Several NPPs from overseas then domestic production
Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June5

Nuclear Power
Early commercial nuclear power plants

1966: First NPP in Japan – TOKAI NPP (GCR, 166MW)

1970: TSURUGA unit 1 (1st BWR, 357MW)

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June

1970: MIHAMA unit 1 (1st PWR, 340MW)

6

Subsequent deployment of commercial nuclear power plants• To meet growing electricity
demand associated with theeconomic growth•5 decades of continuous
Deployment•54 units installed in1970-2010
28 BWRs
26 PWRs(30% share in electricity)

500kwhr/capita-year
Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June

3500

7800
7

Crude oil price fluctuation

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June[SOURCE] http://www.wtrg.com/prices.htm

8Intendeda) To diversify energy supply (NE: quasi-domestic), andb) To avoid environmental issues associated with fossil

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June

9Nuclear Applications
 AEC regarded nuclear applications equally important“for the welfare of human kind and to raise national
living standards” from the beginning Nuclear applications by research Laboratories
 Radiation-related research institute in JAERI wasestablished later than reactor laboratory established in
1963 (7 years later than reactor laboratory)

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June

10Economic Impact of the use of NE

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11

Nuclear applications for developing countries (FNCA
Activities)
Cancer diagnosis & therapy
Use of radiation for bio-organic
fertilizer and for plant growthpromoter in agricultureetc

Agriculture
Radiation induced
mutation

Post- harvest control
utilizing radiation

Non-irradiatedMedicine
Diagnosis; PET-CT

IrradiatedIndustry
Therapy; Ion beam therapy

A.Omoto,OMOTO,
IAEANMS,TM, 6-9
SEPT 2010
IAEA
2012June

Radiation process;Radial tires
Semiconductors

Non-destructive
inspection

12

Fuel Cycle Programmea) Start of commercial operation of Reprocessing Plantb) Interim storage of SF beyond reprocessing capacity

JNFL Reprocessing plant

5,000 Tons Dry Storage at Mutsu
By TEPCO/JAPC, underconstruction since 2010 Augustc) Use of MOX fuel in LWRs
 MOX in LWRs
 Plan for use of MOX in 16-18 LWRs by 2015
 6 LWRs : licensed
 Domestic MOX fabrication plant (130 MT/YR)
start construction 2010/Oct28
start production 2016
Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June

MOX fabrication plant13

Closed FC using FR for sustainable NP programme
2005

2010

2050

2015
2015

Feasibility
Study

Commercial FR and
Fuel Cycle Facilities

Fast Reactor Cycle Technology
Development Project (FaCT）(JFY 1999-2005)
Identify The Most
PromisingCandidate
Concept

Decision of Innovative Tech. (2010)2025

R&D of Innovative Technologies

Start of operation ofDemonstration FR (&Fuel Cycle Facility)

Experimental FR“Joyo”

2015

Conceptual Design of Commercial &Demonstration FR Cycle Facilities

Conceptual Design
R&D at Prototype
FR “Monju “

R&D at“Monju “ Demonstrating its Reliability as aOperation Power Plant
 Establish Sodium Handling Technology

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June
Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June14

Geological disposal of vitrified HLW
1985- 1999: Feasibility study of geological disposal of HLW in Japan
JAEA (JNC at that time) report on the technical feasibility ofgeological disposal of HLW in Japan.
2000: AEC decision on open and transparent policyOpen application from municipality

Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NUMO) for siting,construction and operation of the geologic repository
2002- : Two underground research laboratories
2004-Now: No mayor had successfully applied: Even the announcement ofa mayor to study the merit and demerit of the application met public
protest and intense media attention.
General plan: Selection of disposal site around mid 2020’s
Start disposal in late 2030’s
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15

Historical evolution of Nuclear Energy Programme in JAPAN Current key challenges
Government and Nuclear Energy

Concluding remarks

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June

163.11 has completely changed “nuclear landscape”

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June

17Key challenges
 Environmental remediation, return of /compensation toevacuees Reform of nuclear regulation
 Revisiting basic nuclear energy policy
AEC’s Framework of NE policy is being updated•••

Cabinet’s Energy and Environment Committee
METI’s Integrated Energy Committee
AEC’s committee on the “Framework of NE Policy”

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June

18

New zoning after April2012
Announcement by the Nuclear Emergency Response
Headquarters to change zoning (26December2011)
after achieving Step II goal at Fukushima NPP

1. To prepare lifting “evacuation” order for areas<20mSv/a by March 2012: Green and Blue zone
within 20km radius(decontamination and rebuilding
infrastructure)
2. Continued off-limit for areas between above 20
but below 50 mSv/a: Yellow area, but shift to theabove 1 after decontamination(decontamination)
2. Designate “areas difficult to return”: above
50mSv/a, applicable for 5 years: Brown and Red(consultation for relocation etc)
Predicted annual dose (as of 2011Nov5)[SOURCE] http://www.meti.go.jp/earthquake/nuclear/pdf/111226_01a.pdf
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19

mSv/aICRP Pub.
103

100mSv/a

Emergency
Exposure
shift to below
20mSv/a

20mSv/aExisting
Exposure
Target to
below 1mSv/a
for additional
exposure

Implementation policy
For remediation
Government is primarily
In charge until return of
residents

Hi dose area:
Large scalesurfacedecontaminationLo dose area:
Focus on hot
spots

Local
municipality toplan/implement
Government tosupport on
resources(experts/fund)

1mSv/a[SOURE] http://www.meti.go.jp/press/2011/08/20110826001/20110826001-4.pdf
Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June20

Emerged policy issues in the use of NE in Japan
 Is nuclear energy a dependable source of energy?
Issues includes: risk management, vulnerability of multiple unit
installation, economics, liability
 Is current fuel cycle policy appropriate?
Issues includes: reprocessing plant, Spent Fuel management,
development of fast reactor
 Is current utility business regulation appropriate?
 Cabinet’s Energy and Environment Committee
 METI’s Integrated Energy Committee
 AEC’s committee on the “Framework of NE Policy”: AEC’s Framework of
NE policy is being updated

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June21

Further, concern could include….
 Is nuclear energy ethical?
 Is nuclear energy acceptable in the light of“precautional principle(s)”?
 Given the sea of epistemic uncertainties, how
can we make decisions on technological risks?
 What is the role of the Government (and AEC)
in Nuclear Energy Programme?

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June22

for deliberation
 Knowledgeable decision-making
 Safety as a pre-requisite: societal safety goal, for NE to be
dependable
 beyond acute/latent cancer risk, include liability,
lost opportunities, energy replacement cost etc.

 What is the strategic target of energy policy and what is therole of NE in power generation portfolio?
 Long-term goal of sustainable development: equity in timeand space Consideration of Japan’s specific condition (geopolitics,
resources availability, source of economic power…)
 Energy supply security
 Part of technological competence for growth Low carbon economy
 Public consultation
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Brundtland report “Our Common Future” 1987
 Creation of a bridge to address possible strain• Economic development• Environmental protection
 Defined sustainable development“Development that meets the needsof the present without compromising
the ability of future generations tomeet their own needs”
 Three dimensions
Social / Economic / Environmental
 Recognized that achieving global equity (Within and acrosscountries (space) as well as across generations (time)) andsustainable growth would require technological and social changes
 Energy area: goal to distance measured by using EISD
Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June24

Inequity across countries
HDI and primary energy consumption
HDI
comparative measure ofpoverty, literary, education,
life expectancy & others[Source] UN Human
Development
Index report, UNDP, 2000

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June25

Inequity across generations
Projected range of temperature change(SRES scenario, IPCC 2001)

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June26

Options of policy change and implications
 Current administration’s policy: Decrease dependency on NE and increase
renewable’s share Share of nuclear electricity

Phase-out
Reduced
Reduced & diversified
Maintain thesame level[SOURCE] http://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/info/committee/kihonmondai/25th/25-3-2.pdf

 Implications

Low carbon economy
Electricity demand and supply
Electricity price and competitiveness of industrial products in global market
Long-term sustainability w/o nuclear

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June27

Impact of reduced dependence on NE [by JCER]
Pessimistic scenarioYearly fossil importin 10B$ ($=100JPY)
Reference scenario
Already in 2011, trade deficit of 30B$,(Red number for the first time since 1980)

Consumer’s
price
index

Pessimistic scenario
Reference scenario

Reference scenario: No NPPs in TEPCO nor Chubu resume operation, while others operate
until nuclear phase our by 2050
Pessimistic scenario: No NPP resume operation after 2012
[SOURCE] JCER (Japan Center for economic Research, 2011Dec)
http://www.jcer.or.jp/research/middle/detail4300.html
Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June28

CO2 discharge [% increase from 1990]
Reference scenario
Pessimistic scenario[SOURCE] JCER (Japan Center for economic Research, 2011Dec)
http://www.jcer.or.jp/research/middle/detail4300.html

NIES (National Institute of Environmental Studies) report (2012.4.12): 25% reduction of GHG
release(from 1990 level) will be possible w/o NE, if renewables share increase from 9%(2010) to 34% and primary energy saving of 24% from 2010 level
Further, estimation by the IEEJ (Institute of Energy Economics Japan of the economic impactof nuclear phase-out  GDP loss : -3.6%, job loss : 200,000, accelerate manufacturingindustry’s shift to overseas
Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June29

Marginal Abatement Cost curve in Japan$/tCO2 1400

Solar PV

1200
1000
800

Hybrid, EV

600

Green Computing
New Nuclear
Build

400 Energy Saving Technology in Factory
Residential Appliancesof existing NPPs

Energy Saving HouseHigh Efficient Heat Pump System
Energy Saving LED Display

Co-generation

200 Improving Capacity Factor
High Efficient
LED Lighting

Energy Conversion

Household Heat
Pump

Wind
Solar CSP

Building and Energy Management System (BEMS)

MtCO2

0
-

-200
Household
Air-Conditioner

-400

50
Energy Recycling

High Efficient Air Conditioners
and Heat Pump for Industrial Use

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June

100

150

200

250

Waste Recycling[SOURCE] IEEJ report to AEC (23April2010)(The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan)
30

Examples of scenario analysis in other countries

Renewable(Case of UK）

NuclearCCS

One of the 6 cases of “2050
Pathways Analysis”(July 2010)

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June31

(Case of France）“Energie Rapport 2050” (Feb 2012) evaluated 4 options over electricity price, energy security,
GHG reduction, job in 2030
① Replace to EPR or Gen-IV after 40 years operation of current fleet② Plant life extention to 60 years③ Reduced share of NE④ Phase-out NE after 60 years of operation

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June32

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Historical evolution of Nuclear Energy Programme in JAPANCurrent key challenges
 Government and Nuclear Energy

Concluding remarks

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June34

Role of the Government(1,2&3 below from “Government and Nuclear
Energy”, OECD, 2004)

1. Governments have been deeply involved in the development of nuclear
energy….because of its strategic nature and the scope of its risks andbenefits. Governments later supported the development of civilian nuclear
energy.
 Localization programme Funding R&D[EXAMPLE] NEPIO in the very early stage for coordination
MILESTONE
1Governme
Utilities nt

MILESTONE
2Ministries& others
Owner
Operator
Nuclear
Regulator?
Universiti
esStakeholders…
Phase 1

NEPI
O

NEPI
O
Phase 2National
Suppliers

IAEA “Responsibilities and Competencies of a Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO) for a National Nuclear Power Programme”

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Role of the Government(1,2&3 below from “Government and Nuclear Energy”, OECD, 2004)

2. In the 1980s and 90s:
 Governments came under pressure to cut expenditures and diminish theirdirect involvement in the economy.
 Expanding international trade forced all industries to be more competitive.
Markets were championed as an alternative to government direction andregulation.
 Environmental protection and the concept of sustainable development
increased in importance in policy making, whilst the need to ensure
security of energy supplies persisted or even increased.

3. In the current era of privatization and competitive markets: Government still has an essential role in energy, electricity and NE
 While, in some countries, it may not exercise as much direct control
through ownership and economic regulation as in the past, it still has thebasic responsibility for creating policy frameworks within which market
forces can function and public policy goals can be achieved.
Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June36

An option could be leaving for the decision by the market, while assuringlevel playing field among different sources(1)Assurance of recovery ofinvestment
 Recovery in early stage Long-term power off-take(2) Considering “external cost”
 External cost is internalized in nuclear, whereas not necessarily in otheroptions
 Environmental cost of GHG emission
 Security credit

The case of Japana) AEC’s long-term plan for NE
 “Peaceful use” and “in accordance with the established programme”b) Nuclear Power Private business Government support considering non-market value of NEc) Fuel Cycle Private business Government endorsement statement to local government
 Government support to development of FR cycle considering long-termsustainabilityd) R&D: Private sector investment >public sector (Japan in general) Government support to nuclear R&D

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Japanese government assisted diversification of energy portfolio- Energy security and environment  As a resources-poor nation, considered Nuclear Energy as
domestic (in the very beginning) or quasi-domestic energy source Accelerated deployment of NP after Arab Oil Embargo (1973)More than 70% of electricity generation : dependent on oilImmediately enacted laws to;Collect tax (0.375 JPY/KWhr) from electricity customers
Used through special accounta) to promote siting of nuclear facilities (preparation of local
infrastructure including road, bridge etc)b) To accelerate development of power generation sources
replacing oil

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Primary Energy Supply
PJ[SOURCE] METI and S. Saito

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Government assisted localization
First units of GCR, PWR, BWR (mid 1960s to early 1970s)
 Design by UK/US reactor suppliers Some components manufacturing and erection by Japanese companies
2nd units and subsequent units (until middle of 1970s)
 T/H/M as primary contractor to Japanese Utilities Rapid increase of local supply shareStandardization & improvement Program (late 1970’s to mid 1980’s)
 Modification of original design by NSSS suppliers /Utility(partly from Government funding) Coping with technical problems arising from operation & maintenance• Material to reduce the probability of BWR IGSCC• Material & Design to avoid PWR SG tube degradation• Reduction of occupational radiation exposure and waste
Next generation LWR and FROmoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June41

Source: Y. Yoshimoto, IAEA TM on localization (September 2010)
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BWR

Source: Y. Yoshimoto, IAEA TM on localization (September 2010)
Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June43

Source: Y. Yoshimoto, IAEA TM on localization (September 2010)
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Technology transfer agreement
TT Agreement (system license)
 MHI and WH on PWR system 1967 Hitachi and GE, Toshiba and GE on BWR system
Fuel fabrication
 1967 Established JNF by GE/Hitachi/Toshiba 1971 Established MNF by WH/MHI

Industry trade group 1956 Established JAIF (Japan Atomic Industry Forum)

Manufacturing standards
 1963 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel code Section III (nuclear) 1970 Japanese manufacturing code/standard corresponding to ASME code
Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June45

Development of next generation LWRs
 Meeting replacement demand in 2030’s but make attractive
technologies deployable in preceding LWRs as well in 2020’s
 Meeting desired characteristics in terms of Safety & Security/
Economics/Waste/Environment etc. at a higher level Example of some technical features (BWR)• 180MWe and 90MWe class• K-lattice and large fuel (BWR)• Seismic isolation• Steel-framed concrete

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June46

Examples of spin-off technologies and methodologies from
nuclear power to other applications in the industry
 Seismic response analysis and anti-seismic devices (anti-vibration dampers,
seismic isolation technique etc)
 Disaster prevention and control
 Membrane in Off-gas system for medical use (artificial lung)Non-destructive inspection techniques (X-ray and neutron radiography,
Ultrasonic, Acoustic, Gamma-ray spectrometry etc) and associated imaging
techniques
 Remotely manipulated robotics and devices usable in harsh environment Decontamination and cleanup techniques
 Waste treatment techniques (such as solidification of sludge and ashes fromincinerators, high efficiency filters)
 High efficiency filter used in RO systems for desalination systems, spin-off
from development of high efficiency condensate filtration system
 Laser techniques for separation, cutting, improvement of residual stress etc.
 Modeling and simulation techniques (fluid dynamics, thermal hydraulics,
material and component behavior) Probabilistic safety analysis technique
Reference: Oka et al, Journal of Atomic Energy Society of Japan, VOL 39, No 2, 1997
Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June47

Historical evolution of Nuclear Energy Programme in JAPANCurrent key challenges
Government and Nuclear Energy Concluding remarks

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June48

CONCLUDING REMARKS
1. Historically, Japan’s NE programme had strong and stable commitment by
the Government, Utility and Manufacturing industry
2. “Going to Nuclear” was justified
 Diversified energy supply portfolio Decreased dependency on fossil (environment, security, volatility ofprice)
 Contribution to growth and power by science and technology
3. AEC’s Long-term plan (“framework document”, recently) served as a basis
for the programmatic use of NE including R&D
4. 3.11 has completely changed this landscape Is nuclear energy a dependable source of energy?
 Is current fuel cycle policy appropriate?
 What is the role of the Government in the planning and the use of NE?

Omoto, IAEA NMS, 2012June49

Thank you for your attention