November 26, 2010

Monthly Press Conference

Today, President Kawai made monthly press conference in Aomori City and talked about the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Council, Status of present activities at Reprocessing Plant, Report on Improving Glass Melter Operating Methods, Nuclear Maintenance Business Opportunity Fair, MOX Fuel Fabrication Plant, and other topics.

Following is the outline.

"Nuclear Fuel Cycle Council"

  • Cabinet member mentioned at the council that, "The nuclear fuel cycle will steadily be promoted as part of our strong national strategies that will not easily be altered over the medium- to long-term" and "The national government will be working with the parties concerned, including utilities, to support the establishment of stable operating technology at the reprocessing plant." JNFL truly appreciate this very encouraging statement. It has strengthened our determination to work diligently toward the completion of the reprocessing plant.

"Status of present activities at Reprocessing Plant"

  • The re-inspection of the components within the vitrification cell has almost been completed. The removal of residual material within the A-line melter will begin next week.
  • The temperature gauges in the B-line melter will be restored by the middle of December, since some insulation failures were found. Installation will be performed after the removal of residual material within the A-line melter is completed.

"Report on Improving Glass Melter Operating Methods"

  • The report is presently under review by the national government and will be notified to Aomori Prefecture and Rokkasho Village after JNFL obtains evaluations results from the national government.
  • As for the effluent leak into the temperature gauge protection tube within the High-Active Liquid Waste Concentrator, JNFL are working to identify the cause, and putting together a report on the way of restoration and recurrence prevention measures.
  • JNFL will notify Aomori Prefecture and Rokkasho Village of the "Report on Improving Glass Melter Operating Methods" as soon as JNFL receives evaluations results from the national government. As for the work within the vitrification cell, JNFL will start by "removing residual material from the A-line Melter." This will be followed by the "installation of the temperature gauges in the B-line melter." The "restoration relating to the High-Active Liquid Waste Concentrator" will also be performed. As soon as these tasks are completed, JNFL will begin verification testing with the B-line melter.

"Nuclear Maintenance Business Opportunity Fair"

  • On the 10th December, the "Nuclear Maintenance Business Opportunity Fair" will be organized by Aomori Prefecture and the Central Association of Small and Medium Enterprises of Aomori in Aomori City. All 24 nuclear related companies in Aomori Prefecture will participate for the first time this year.
  • JNFL appraciates these type of activities to promote regional relations by increasing local procurement and securing local employment.

"MOX Fuel Fabrication Plant"

  • Construction started on the 28th of last month and land excavation is under way. To ensure safety, however, construction will be suspended during the winter.
  • It is our intention to put safety first with the aim of achieving zero accidents.