World's First Conceptual Nuclear Reactor Design of High Plutonium Breeding by Light-water Cooling: Yoshiaki Oka, Professor, Cooperative Major in Nuclear Energy, Waseda University, and His Team

A nuclear fuel cycle and FBRs are important for reducing the amount of spent nuclear fuel of light-water reactors (LWRs) and efficient utilization of uranium resources. Nuclear power utilization is in progress in developing countries. Commercialization of spent nuclear fuel reprocessing in advanced countries enhances nuclear security in the world.

A nuclear fuel cycle and FBRs are important for reducing the amount of spent nuclear fuel of light-water reactors (LWRs) and efficient utilization of uranium resources. Nuclear power utilization is in progress in developing countries. Commercialization of spent nuclear fuel reprocessing in advanced countries enhances nuclear security in the world.

Under the conceptual design, the breeding performance -- the compound system doubling time -- is 40 years. It means that the fissile material and electricity production of a group of FBRs double in 40 years. Energy demand is proportional to gross domestic product (GDP). The growth rate of GDP of seven advanced countries in the OECD is 1.4% in the past 10 years. It means that GDP and energy demand double in 50 years. The breeding performance meets the growth rate of energy demand in advanced countries.

The study will open the way for commercialization of FBRs and a nuclear fuel cycle for peaceful use of nuclear energy based on the mature light-water cooling technology. The result of the study was published in the January issue of "Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology" of Atomic Energy Society of Japan (AESJ).

For further information, please visit: http://prw.kyodonews.jp/opn/release/201303050318/

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