Nuclear Power Development in Japan

Abstract

Japan depends on overseas oil resources for the greater part of its energy supply, with imported oil accounting for 61.9% of total energy supply in fiscal 1982. It is extremely important for Japan to reduce its dependence on oil and to develop alternative energy sources in order to secure stable long-term supplies of energy in the future. With its economic advantages, nuclear power generation should be vigorously promoted as Japan's primary alternative energy source. This paper describes, in summary, the current status of nuclear power development in Japan, including some remarks on operating experience and future directions.