1. Japan’s Nuclear Energy Program

2. Japan’s Basic Nuclear Policy
Atomic Energy Basic Law, 1955: Peaceful use of nuclear energy
Compliance with international protocol:
Joined the Nonproliferation Treaty in 1976

3. Background The only country that suffered from nuclear devastation
Almost no indigenous energy sources
Large energy consumption with scarce natural resources
More than 80 % of energy imported
Efforts to minimize dependence on current imports.
Increasing reliance on nuclear energy
Aug.6, 1945, Hiroshima, 140,000 killed
Aug.9, 1945, Nagasaki, 74,000 killed

4. Japan’s Nuclear Energy Facts
First commercial nuclear power reactor began operation in mid 1966
Japan imports nearly all of its energy resources including uranium.
Over 30% of its power needs are supplied by nuclear energy. Projected to be 37% in 2009, 41 % in 2014
55 Nuclear power reactors across the country produce approximately 50 gigawatts of energy (2 under construction, 11 planned. )

5. Source: Japan Atomic Energy Agency

6. Japan and The Nuclear Community
Nonproliferation Treaty
Japan signed the NPT in 1970, and acceded in 1976
Reluctance to join the NPT at first mainly due to its discriminatory nature, internal debates over possible nuclearization, and concern over nuclear energy
Commitment to nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament remains unchanged since its accession.
Bilateral agreement on peaceful use :
US, UK, France, China, Australia, and Kazakhstan

7. Historical Overview of Nuclear Program and Policy
Atoms for Peace speech by Eisenhower in 1953.
Started nuclear research program in 1954
Atomic energy basic law 1955
Inauguration of the Atomic Energy Commission 1956
The Science & Technology agency, Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, and Atomic Fuel Corporation were established under the law
Imported its first commercial nuclear power reactor from the UK.
Light water reactors (LWR), boiling water reactors, or pressurized water reactors have been constructed. (began commercial operation in 1970).
By the end of the 1970s, Japanese industry (Hitachi, Toshiba, Mitsubishi Heavy Industry developed the capacity to design and construct LWR’s to export to other countries.)
Nuclear energy has been a national strategic priority since 1973 (Oil Embargo)

8. Current Policy of Japan’s Nuclear Power Program
Kyoto Protocol 2002: Japan would rely on nuclear energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Continue to have nuclear power as a major element of electricity production
Develop a faster breed of reactors in order to improve uranium utilization dramatically
Steady promotion of measures for safe disposal of high level radioactive waste
Promote nuclear energy to the public-Go Green

9. Major Nuclear Power Plant Accidents
1995: Monju (Fukui prefecture) (Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor, shut down since the 1995 sodium leak and fire accident
1999: Tokaimura, Three workers received high doses of radiation. Two died.
2003: 17 TEPCO plants shut down over falsified safety records
2004: Mihama, 5 workers were killed by steam from corroded pipe
July 2007: Kashiwazaki Kariya, damaged by earthquake

10. Japan’s Nuclear Fuel Cycle Policy
Japan is pursuing a closed nuclear fuel cycle.
Resource-poor Japan’s need to recycle uranium, semi domestic energy source.
Currently, Japan’s spent nuclear fuels have been reprocessed in the UK and France
Tokai reprocessing plant since commencing pilot operation in But small amount. (200 ton per year)
Construction of new nuclear fuel cycle facilities in Rokkasho Village.

11. Plutonium Production Program
Committed to development of a self-sufficient plutonium-based nuclear fuel cycle. “utmost importance”
Construction of Fast Breeder Reactors and reprocessing facilities. Fast breeder reactors will be introduced commercially by 2050 (currently, only prototype exists)
Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant construction
Plutonium stockpile enough for 10,000 weapons.
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Monju
Experimental Fast Breeder Reactor Joyo

12. Rokkasho Nuclear Facilities
Reprocessing Plant
Spent Fuel Receiving and Storage Facilities
Source: Japan’s Nuclear Power

13. Transportation of Nuclear Materials
Source: Japan’s nuclear power program, Federation of Electric Power companies of Japan

14. Japan’s Efforts in Promoting Nuclear Disarmament and Nonproliferation
Full compliance with IAEASafeguards
IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and Additional Protocol
Strengthen IAEA Safeguards
Nuclear Security (Physical Protection)
Development of proliferation resistant nuclear technology
Management of spent fuel and radioactive waste disposal
Contribution to the G-8 Global Partnership against the spread of WMD
Strengthening export controls, assistance to countries in the region
Bilateral agreements

15. Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP)
Japan is in the nuclear fuel supply side of the GNEP
US-Japan Joint Nuclear Energy Action Plan
Cooperation of nuclear energy research and development to advance new technologies
Collaboration on policies and programs supporting new nuclear power plants in the US and Japan
Establishment of and international nuclear fuel supply assurance mechanism
Joint collaboration to support safe and secure expansion of nuclear energy in interested countries while promoting nonproliferation

16. Benefits vs. Risks

17. A Special Thank You to Masako Toki at the Monterey Institute of International Studies