Release
December 22, 2017

Extraordinary Press Conference

 

Change in Schedule for Completion of Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant and MOX Fuel Fabrication Plant [Outline]

  • In order to comply with additional regulatory requirements of the Nuclear Regulation Authority of Japan(NRA), the timing for the expected completion of the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant(RRP) has been changed from the first half of Japanese Fiscal Year 2018 to the first half of Japanese Fiscal Year 2021, and the timing of the completion of the MOX Fuel Fabrication Plant(J-MOX) has been changed from the first half of Japanese Fiscal Year 2019 to the first half of Japanese Fiscal Year 2022.
　　　During these 3 additional years the following activities shall take place in the RRP:
  • Installation of additional equipment and systems for the recovery of radioactivity in case of a severe accident
  • Evaluation of the impact on control devices and equipment in case of a leakage of high pressure and high temperature steam, and the development and installation  of relevant countermeasures, if deemed necessary
  • Construction of a new emergency control building and additional safety-related countermeasures such as internal flood protection(installation of floodgates and watertight doors), strengthening the seismic resistance of pipes, improving cooling water tower resistance for tornadoes and improving countermeasures for internal fires
  • Safety review by NRA and associated procedures as well as time needed to obtain approvals for design and construction methods
　　　During these 3 years the following activities shall take place in the J-MOX:
  • Enhancement of the earthquake-resistant structures in operations rooms
  • Installation of countermeasure equipment for internal fires
  • Expansion of the plant floor space to accommodate the above countermeasures
  • Safety review by NRA and associated procedures as well as time needed to obtain approvals for design and construction methods
 
  • JNFL will prioritize safety during all construction activities. Moreover, JNFL will use this scheduling opportunity to continue improving its quality assurance program, thoroughly inspect equipment and devices, and conduct intensive training for operators and maintenance technicians
  • JNFL will continue to make company-wide efforts to achieve safe and stable commercial operation for both plants