Current Status of Development of the Demonstration FBR in Japan

Abstract

The Japanese government and utilities promote the development of the demonstration fast breeder reactor (DFBR) following the prototype FBR MONJU. The Japan Atomic Power Company (JAPC) has been conducting design studies of the DFBR since 1986,under the sponsorship of Japanese utilities. The main specifications of the DFBR were settled in 1994 and the conceptual design of the DFBR plant was finished in 1996 based on the main specifications. However, the sodium leak incident in MONJU and recent outstanding improvement in the economy of light water reactors require further enhancement of the reliability and economy of the DFBR. Therefore, JAPC has started the new design study for the purpose of achieving both improved countermeasures against sodium leaks and fire, and reduction in the construction cost.