Provisional Translation, August, 2023

White Paper on Nuclear Energy 2022
published in 2023（Summary）

Japan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC)

Table of Contents
Special Report“Current Status of R＆D and Innovation on the Nuclear Energy”

See Page 2

Special Report (Summary)

Chapter 1“Continue to reflect on the Fukushima Daiichi Accident and learn its lessons”

Chapter 2“Use nuclear energy for stable energy supply and carbon neutrality”

Chapter 3“Domestic and international initiatives in light of global trends”

Chapter 4“Ensure peaceful use of nuclear energy, non-proliferation and nuclear security underinternational collaboration”

Chapter 5“Rebuild public trust and confidence as a precondition for using nuclear energy”

Chapter 6“Decommission of nuclear stations and the radioactive waste management”

Chapter 7“Promote the utilization of radiation and radioisotopes”

Chapter 8“Facilitate innovations relevant to nuclear energy utilization”

Chapter9“Strengthen human resource development”

See Page 8

Chapters 1 to 9 (Summary)1Summary

Special Report
Current Status of
R＆D and Innovation on the Nuclear Energy2Overall picture of innovation in the nuclear sector

3Topic１： Development of advanced reactors withimproved safety that contribute to decarbonization〇 As the global green transformation(GX) progresses,
advanced
reactors
incorporating
innovative
safetymechanisms are being developed around the world.
〇 Advanced reactors are expected to contribute to theadjustment of the electricity supply-demand imbalancecaused by the significant increase in the share of renewableenergy sources, and also to be used for the production ofcarbon-free hydrogen.
〇Advanced reactors may also have features that differ fromconventional reactors, such as their radioactive waste
management. The reactors need to be developed with acomprehensive vision based on the characteristics of theirplant life cycle.

Topic2：Development of Accident Tolerant Fuels that can
suppress hydrogen generation〇In light of the hydrogen explosions that occurred at the
Fukushima Daiichi accident, developments of Accident
Tolerant Fuel(ATF) that can suppress hydrogen generationand improve accident tolerance are underway.
〇The ATFs are being developed for implementation in the
mid 2030s and beyond, by manufactures with JAEA andalso with the U.S., OECD/NEA, and others.
〇The use of ATF is one of the requirements for nuclear
power to be included in the EU taxonomy (its application isdeferred until 2025). In France, the developments of ATF
are being hastened on the bases of the findings in the U.S.
Progress of the Fukushima Daiichi Accident

Hydrogen generation due tocore damage

Hydrogen & radioactive
materials leakage

Reactor Building Hydrogen leakage
into the building

Example of innovative safety mechanismof advanced reactors
Nuclear emergency
preparedness
priority zone

Countermeasures foraircraft crash• Underground/semi-undergroundreactor building• Higher-strength wall

• Possibility of limiting thepriority zone to the siteboundary

Passive control ofreactivity

ReactorContainment
Vessel• The core with Inherent safety(the Doppler effect, i.e. negative
reactivity feedback against fueltemperature increase. )• Control rods fall into the coreby gravity, etc.

Confinement of radioactive
material, shielding against
radiation

Reactor
Building• Fuel cladding with high temperature
resistance material (for HTGR)• Helium, a chemically inert gas, forprimary coolant• In-vessel retention and cooling fromoutside of the vessel (for SMRs), etc.

Cooling
Water Pool

Control
Rods

ReactorPressure
VesselReactor Core
(Fuels)RPV
RPVHydrogen due tocore damage

Containment

Containment

Chromium-coated fuel cladding(low risk of severe accident
due to less source terms andhigher safe desgn)

Resistance toearthquakes• Underground/semiunderground reactor building• 3-dimensional seismicisolation system (for FR), etc.

Removal of heatfrom the reactor andfrom the fuel store• Cooling by/in pool water• Cooling by naturalconvection, conduction andradiation (for HTGR), etc.

Silicon carbide composite fuelcladding, channel box, etc.

Zr oxide film

No oxidation
Metallographic pictures after the hightemperature oxidization tests

4Topic3： Development of aging degradation evaluation
method for highly aged nuclear power reactors〇 The amended law allows for additional extension of theoperating period of nuclear reactors, limited to a certain
period of shutdown, which has increased interest in the
integrity of aged nuclear reactors.
〇 While many components of a nuclear facility can be
replaced, difficult-to-replace components, such as thereactor pressure vessel, are important in determining thelife of a reactor.
〇 For neutron irradiation embrittlement, a typical aging
degradation event of reactor pressure vessels, improvementof degradation prediction accuracy and development ofprobabilistic integrity evaluation methods are underway.
Change in atomic structure due to neutron irradiation (image)

Topic4：Technology development to cope with highradiation dose for decommissioning〇 The condition of reactors after a severe accident differsfrom that of normallyclosed reactors in many ways,
including the presence of fuel debris, generation ofcontaminated water, high radiation dose in the reactor
building, and many elements whose conditions are unknown.
〇 For the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi NPPs,
development of technologies such as identification of theradiation sources and remote handling robots are being
implemented in order to reduce the risk of radiation
exposure to workers.
〇 Sharing these experiences with the international
community will contribute to ensuring safety not only indecommissioning but also in the use of nuclear energy, both
domestically and internationally.
Development of radiation source identification techniques（Comparison of dose rate distributions）

nearlyidentical

Probabilistic analysis of reactor vessel structural integrity
considering neutron irradiation embrittlement

Distribution with
Monte Carlo calculation

Distribution withinverse analysis estimation method

The robotic arm for trial retrieval of fuel debris
Pedestal side

Enclosure side
Robotic arm

5Topic5：Challenges in reducing hazardousness of spent
fuel by separation and transmutation〇 High-Level radioactive waste contains Minor Actinides(MA) with high heat generation and extremely long halflives. Separation and transmutation of these nuclides is
expected to reduce the volume and hazardousness of thewaste, and reduce the size of disposal sites.
〇 A series of processes is necessary, such as separation
and recovery of MA under high radiation dose, fabricationof fuel containing recovered MA, transmutation using fast
reactors and so on.
〇 Each process can be selected from a variety of methods
and technologies, but all are still at the laboratory level,
and there is a large gap between the laboratory level andthe industrial level. It is important to proceed withverification of the overall scenario while taking into accountthe maturity of each technology.

Topic6：Development of non-destructive testing technology
using radiation to support economic and social activities〇 Development is underway to apply the strong
penetration power of radiation to non-destructive testing
field.
〇 For example, the development of a compact and portable
X-ray source has made it possible to perform on-site nondestructive inspection of the interior of concrete structures,
which is difficult to verify with conventional testing
technique.
〇 Comprehensive efforts are also essential to address
practical issues such as development of regulation andstandards and human resources including radiologists.
On-site X-ray inspection resultsof the pre-stressed concrete structure bridge（Inspection of the tendon sheaths)

An example of nuclear fuel cycle with MA↓Crack
X-ray source
Power supply↑

Sufficient grouting
Elevator track↑

Insufficient grouting↑

Cracks andcalcium precipitation

6

Topic7： Research on social science aspects of nuclear energy utilization〇 In the use of nuclear energy, which has been the subject of public concern, it is essential that efforts be made to gain
the trust of society from the research and development stage, and communication with the public is crucial for this purpose.
From this perspective, social science research on the use of nuclear energy is being conducted.
〇 Research is being conducted on social decision making and on information reliability. For example, the originator profile
technology (*) is being developed, which can easily identify high quality articles, etc. in Web contents by mean of a thirdparty certification, etc.
(*）Technology that makes it possible to identify trustworthy information senders by providing verifiable information on Internet content creators, digitaladvertising placement sources, etc.

〇 Geologic disposal of high-level radioactive waste involves intergenerational challenges. Discussions and researches areunderway on this issue as a problem between the principle of benefit, in which the current generation that benefit from
nuclear energy should be mainly responsible, and the principle of capability in which each generation should be also
responsible according to its own capabilities.

Message from Japan Atomic Energy Commission :Expectations and Challenges for Innovation through R&D～Attitude required for R&D～

I. To ensure that R&D do not become “research for research’s sake”, the technology should be verified objectively,
including scientific and engineering issues, besides emphasis on its merits for the social implementation.
II. For early realization of social implementation of the technology, the impact on the entire life cycle of the
project that uses the developed technology, including radioactive waste management, supply chain at the
project stage, regulatory compliance, and economics, should be on the table for discussion from an earlystage.
III. In order to promote effective and efficient R&D, it is necessary to actively promote industry-academia
collaboration and international collaboration that takes advantage of the initiative of the industries that will use
the results of such R&D.
Japan Atomic Energy Commission hopes that all parties concerned will make concerted efforts in R&Ds
while recognizing that public trust is a prerequisite, and that innovation through the use of nuclear
energy will flourish.

7

Summary

Chapters 1 to 9
Current status and efforts
related to the nuclear utilization in Japan

8

Chapter1: Continue to reflect on the Fukushima Daiichi Accident and learn its lessons

1.

2.

Efforts toward the reconstruction and revitalization of Fukushima① Lifting of evacuation orders for the “Specified Reconstruction and Revitalization
Bases Areas” in Katsurao Village and Okuma Town in June 2022, Futaba Town inAugust 2022, and Namie Town in March 2023.
② The law was amended in May 2022 and the basic plan was developed in August2022 for the establishment of the Fukushima Institute for Research, Education
and Innovation (F-REI) in April 2023.

Overview of the F-REI researches

The emergency
preparedness
priority zone in
Mihama region

Continuous efforts to improve safety and emergency response fornuclear disasters① Based on the exchange of opinions among the Nuclear Regulation Authority(NRA), operators and others from April 2022, the NRA improved the review
process in September 2022, such as holding meetings more frequently to reduce reworks.
② In November 2022, the comprehensive nuclear emergency response exercise was conducted at the Mihama Power Plant.

Chapter2: Use nuclear energy for stable energy supply and carbon neutrality
1.

2.

Direction of energy supply① The cabinet decided the Basic Policy for the Realization of GX on February 2023 following discussions at the GX
implementation council . The policy initiatives includes measures for use of nuclear energy such as the replacement of
decommissioned rector with next-generation advanced reactor and the additional lifetime extensions for existing reactors. BasicforPolicy② JAEC revised the “Basic Policy for Nuclear Energy” on February 20th,2023. Under the principle of ensuring safety, the new Nuclear Energy
initiatives are listed: “Restarting existing nuclear power plants”, “Efficient safety reviews”, “Long-term operation of nuclear
power plants”,and “Development and construction of innovative nuclear reactors”

Status of nuclear power generation① Sendai Nuclear Power Station unit 1&2 submitted the approval to extent theoperation life in October 2022.
※Takahama Power Station Unit3&4 also submitted the approval in April 2023.

3．Status of spent fuel reprocessing① In December 2022, the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant has been postponed thecompletion date to as early as possible in the first half of FY2024.

4．Revision of the Strategic Roadmap for Fast Reactor Development① The strategic roadmap for fast reactor development was revised at Ministerial
meeting on nuclear energy in December 2022. Sodium-cooled fast reactor isevaluated as the most promising.

Prospects of the total capacity of NPPs in Japan

Capacity, GWe
50

2030
40

36units: 37.2GW

2040
32units: 33.7GW

30

27units: 27.3GW

20

10

2060

8units: 9.6GW

Plant age
40ys
60ys

0

2050

23units: 23.7GW(166.3TWh)

8units: 9.7GW
3unit: 4.1GW(29.0TWh)
3units: 4.1GW

9Chapter3: Domestic and international initiatives in light of global trends
1.

2.

Trends in international organizations and leading countries in nuclear power① IAEA released the first report on safety of planned ALPS treated water discharged from the Fukushima Daiichi site. It was confirmedthat the radiation effects on human and environment are significantly less than the levels set by the Japanese regulatory authority.
② In January 2023, the US NRC issued its final rule in the Federal Register to certify NuScale Power’s SMR.
③ The EU taxonomy entered into force and applied as of January 1st, 2023, which includes nuclear activities under certain conditions(*).
(*) A nuclear power project must have a construction plans of a disposal facility for HLW with detailed steps for the operation, etc.

Engagement in and collaboration with international organizations,and promotion of bilateral and multilateral collaboration

FNCA the 23rd Ministerial-Level Meeting① At the IAEA General Conference held in September 2022, Takaichi Sanae, Ministerof State for Science and Technology Policy, Cabinet Office, explained Japan’s
initiatives in the statement made on behalf of the government including the basic
policy on handling of ALPS-treated water.
② At the Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA) Ministerial-Level Meeting heldin October 2022, participants adopted a joint communiqué including thecooperation for the promotion and the enhancement of radiation cancer treatment.

Chapter4: Ensure peaceful use of nuclear energy, non-proliferation and nuclear security under international collaboration1.

Total（Japan + Overseas）
Japan

approx. 45.1t
approx. 9.3t

（Subtotal）

approx. 35.8t

U.K.

approx. 21.8t

Franceapprox. 14.1t

Break
down

Ensuring nuclear security

As of end of 2022

Overseas

3.

① JAEC evaluates the plutonium utilization plans and the mid-term implementation planfor spent fuel reprocessing formulated by the operators and other stakeholders fromthe standpoint of peaceful use and securing plutonium balance.
② The amount of separated plutonium owned by Japan as of the end of 2022 isapproximately 45.1 tons in the aggregate both within and outside of Japan.

Breakdown

2.

Promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy① Japan carries out efforts to protect nuclear materials, foster a nuclear security culture,
Note: The total figures may not agreeand strengthen nuclear security measures based on the Nuclear Reactor Regulation Act.
completely due to rounding.
② In August 2022, IAEA Director General and the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya (ISAMZ) visited and investigatedthe Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant. Since January 2023, IAEA experts have been stationed at all nuclear facilities in Ukraine.

Maintaining and strengthening nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation frameworks① As the only country to have experienced the use of atomic bombs in war, Japan has engaged actively in efforts toward nuclear
disarmament and non-proliferation on the basis of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, such as submission of resolution on theelimination of nuclear weapons to the U.N/ General Assembly, while also taking into account the peaceful use of nuclear energy, an
inalienable right granted to non-nuclear weapon countries.
② At the tenth review conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) held in August
2022, Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan advocated “Hiroshima Action Plan”.
10Chapter5: Rebuild public trust and confidence as a precondition for using nuclear energy
1.

Efforts to enhance information sharing and communication by nuclear energy-related organizations① Information provision initiatives have been taken, including hosting
symposiums on energy policies, distributing articles on website and videos on
YouTube in a timely manner. e.g. Japan Atomic Energy Relations Organization (JAERO)METI Website “Let’s get to know and understandabout ALPS treated water”<https://www.meti.go.jp/earthquake/nuclear/hairo_osensui/english/shirou_alps.html>“Atomic Energy General Pamphlet”, etc.

② Dialogue-based interactive explanatory meeting across the country on the
final disposal of high-level radioactive waste have been held. Dialogue
sessions also have been held in Suttsu Town and Kamoenai Village, Hokkaido,
in conjunction with the implementation of Literature surveys.

2.

Coexistence with local communities① In June 2022, the co-creating committee for the future
vision for the area around nuclear power plants in Fukui
prefecture released “Basic Policy and Initiatives to realize
the future vision”.

First Report on Safety ofPlanned Water Discharge
from Fukushima Daiichi Site

Chapter6: Decommission of nuclear power stations and the radioactive waste management
1. Decommissioning of TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi NPP

Investigation results of the Fukushima Daiichi unit2(investigated on February 2019)① In August 2022 and January 2023, the “Action Plan for the Continuous
Implementation of Basic Policy on Handling of ALPS Treated Water” wasrevised. It indicates to strengthen and expand measures for overcoming
reputational damage and that it expected to start discharging the ALPS treatedwater into the ocean from Spring to Summer of 2023.
② Modification and verification of the control software of the robot arm for thetrial retrieval of fuel debris are being progressed, and the trial retrieval is
expected to begin in late FY2023.
③ The IAEA conducted its second review on the safety of ALPS treated water in
November 2022 and on the regulation of ALPS treated water in January 2023.

2. Decommissioning of NPPs and nuclear-related R&D facilities, disposal of radioactive waste① As of March 31, 2023, 18 commercial power reactors and 18 R&D facilities are under decommissioning.
② At the Ministerial meeting on final disposal of radioactive waste in February 2023, the “Basic Policy on the Final Disposal of SpecificRadioactive Waste” was revised to strengthen government-wide efforts to realize the final disposal of high-level radioactive waste.
11Chapter7: Promote the utilization of radiation and radioisotopes
1.

The use of radiation and radioisotopes (RI) in medical fields① In May 2022, JAEC formulated the “Action Plan for Promotion of Production andUtilization of Medical Radioisotopes”.

Medical institutions offering particle beam
radiation therapy（As of March 2023）② In April 2022, health insurance coverage expanded to the particle beam radiation
therapy (Proton Beam Therapy, Heavy Particle Therapy).
③ In November 2022, the Order for Enforcement of the Act on the Regulation ofRadioisotopes, etc. was revised to resolve the dual regulations(*) of someunapproved radiopharmaceuticals used in medical institutions.
*Regulations based on the Medical Care Act and the Act on the Regulation of Radioisotopes, etc.

2.

Use of radiation in other fields① Radiation is used in various sectors, such as industry and agriculture, as an
essential technology underpinning society.

Chapter8: Facilitate innovations relevant to nuclear energy utilization

1. Promoting research, development and innovation① In November 2022, the advanced reactor WG of the nuclear energy subcommittee under the ANRE/METI compiled atechnology roadmap on next-generation advanced reactor development to realize carbon neutrality by 2050 and toensure energy security.
② A study group on the development of R&D infrastructure
Next-generation advanced reactors
necessary for the development of next-generation advanced
SMR (Small Moduler Reactor)
Advanced LWR
reactors under the MEXT compiled a recommendation on thedevelopment of necessary infrastructures and human resourcesin March 2023.
③ In September 2022, a team consist of JAEA, NNL (UK) and UK◆ Mitsubishi Heavy Industries◆ BWRX-300, Hitachi-GE◆ VOYGR, NuScale
company was selected to conduct a feasibility study in the UK
Fast Reactor
HTGR
Fusion Reactor
Advanced Modular Reactor R&D and Demonstration Program.

2. Strengthening R&D infrastructures① In December 2022, JAEA was selected as the main contractor
to implement the detailed design phase and beyond for the
new test reactor to be installed at the “Monju” Site.

Note: ANRE. Agency for Natural Resources and Energy◆ Experimental Reactor: Joyo, JAEA

◆ Test Reactor: HTGR, JAEA

◆ Experimental device: ITER

MEXT. Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

12Chapter9: Strengthen human resource development
Strengthening the Supply Chain, and securing and fostering human resources① The Basic Policy for Nuclear Energy revised by JAEC in February 2023 pointed out the challenges facing Japan’s nuclear
energy sector include aging of the workforce and the small share of women participation. It also pointed out the need torecruit younger generations to work in the nuclear sector by communicating its attractiveness and the need to improve
working environment where all people, regardless of generation, gender, or specialty, can achieve their potential.
② The action guidelines presented at the Ministerial Meeting on Nuclear Energy in December 2022 indicated theestablishment of a support system for the general issue of supply chain, including human resource development andrecruitment, disruption of supply chain for parts and materials, and business succession. In March 2023, the ANRE
announced the establishment of nuclear supply chain platform as a framework to support nuclear energy-relatedcompanies.

④ As a part of next-generation education, the MEXT has prepared
supplementary readers on radiation for elementary school students,
junior and senior high school students. In addition, the Atomic Energy
Society of Japan conducted a survey and made recommendations on
the use of radiation, energy resources, and nuclear energy in school
textbooks.
Supplementary readers on radiation

30

Share of women in academic societies
食品科学

繁殖

種生物 野生生物

25

熱帯医学

組織細胞

Share of women, %③ The Nuclear Human Resource Development Network, which promotes
the building of human resources networks domestically andinternationally and the planning and organizing cross-organizational
activities for human resource development, held a virtual tour of
nuclear facilities in August 2022.

糖質

放射線

20

15

植物

歯科基礎

発生

獣医学

植物病理
細胞

体力医学

植物生理
動物 生理

バイオインフォマティクス

DNA

地球惑星
分析化学

液晶

水産

結晶
錯体

科学者 セラミックス

化学工学

魚類

中性子
水産増殖

Atomic Energy
Society of Japan

物理

数学

応用数理
火災

プラズマ
映像

金属
石油
精密

応物
土木

原子力
地盤
計測

電子情報

鉄鋼
技術士

電気化学

1000

化学

データベース

表面科学

流体力学

0
100

建築

高分子

天文

放射光

5

農芸化学
生化学

生物物理

バイオイメージング

生態工学

分子生物

神経化学

植物細胞分子 神経
木材
森林比較
遺 伝 質量分析
解剖
園芸
魚病
土壌肥料
鳥
植物化学調節
宇宙生物
畜産
進化
蛋白質
育種
蚕糸

地球電磁気

10

生態

10000

Number of members

機械

自動車

100000Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Geology
IT, Engineering
Multidisciplinary domain
Architectonics
Biology, Medicine and Agriculture

13

Useful Information
Japan Atomic Energy Commission
Commissioners (as of Aug. 2023)

Websitehttp://www.aec.go.jp/jicst/NC/eng/index.htm

Decisions, Statements
Dr. UESAKA, Mitsuru
Chairperson

White Paper on Nuclear Energy 2022, July 2023

http://www.aec.go.jp/jicst/NC/about/hakusho/index_e.htm

Basic Policy for Nuclear Energy, February 2023

http://www.aec.go.jp/jicst/NC/about/kettei/kettei230220_5.pdf

Plutonium Utilization in Japan, October 2017

http://www.aec.go.jp/jicst/NC/about/kettei/kettei171003_e.pdf

Mr. SANO, Toshio
Commissioner

Dr. OKADA, Yukiko
Commissioner

Basic Policy for Nuclear Research and Development (R&D),
June 2018
http://www.aec.go.jp/jicst/NC/about/kettei/180612_e.pdf

14