December 27, 2012

Monthly Press Conference

Today, President Kawai held a monthly press conference in Aomori City and talked about "Status of vitrification tests at the Reprocessing Plant" and "The look back over the year 2012".

"Status of vitrification tests at the Reprocessing Plant"

  • A vitrification test started on System B of the glass melter on December 7, as the last step of active test.
  • The task of "Stable Operation Confirmation Program" was completed by December 25, with 25 batches of actual waste liquid fed into the glass melter to confirm that it can sustain stable operation.
  • During this period, the melter performed multiple continuous ten-batch operations with a three-batch cleaning operation in-between. It was confirmed that, with appropriate temperature control and periodic cleaning operation, the melter can inhibit the sedimentation / buildup of platinum group elements to achieve stable operation.
  • At the final discharge during the "Stable Operation Confirmation Program", the discharge flow dropped temporarily. As part of the operation, a rod was inserted into the melter to recover the discharge flow.
  • Next, "Performance Test" will be carried out with actual waste liquid to confirm that the melter can operate at its maximum processing capacity of 70 liters per hour.
  • The assessment results of the latest test will be reported as soon as they are put together. The tests will continue to be carried out prudently in the Safety First approach.

"The look back over the year 2012"

  • 2012 has been the year of various debates on the nation's energy policy and the reason for the existence of our reprocessing business.
  • During the discussion phase of the "Innovative Strategy for Energy and the Environment", compiled in September, the existence of the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant (RRP) itself was placed subject to a review. However, following strong protest from local communities and serious concerns expressed by the United States, U.K., and France, the completed Strategy stated that "nuclear fuel cycle policy must be promoted consistently and steadfastly in medium and long terms", and that "the Government will continue its present nuclear fuel cycle policy to engage in reprocessing projects". These commitments must be received with strong significance.
  • Nuclear power continues to be an important source of energy for Japan, which relies on overseas for most of its energy resources. On the grand premise of safety assurance, nuclear energy will maintain its role, while the nation firmly retains the nuclear fuel cycle program.
  • We hope to see the new government embrace the sentiments of siting communities, and build an energy policy that reflects reality.
    As for the reprocessing business, although we have delayed the completion date for a year, we intend to start the vitrification test from this December, and aim to start the commercial operation by October 2013.
  • In the MOX Fuel Fabrication business, construction work was resumed in April this year, with excavation work to reach the bedrock completed in October. The examination of the bedrock, at the remaining tunnel section, was also completed on December 25.
  • Construction work is suspended during winter, although it will resume in the spring.
  • As for the Enrichment business, initial production using the new centrifuge began in March this year. The pre-conditioning interim operation (of the new centrifuge) is scheduled to start in February 2013.
  • The year 2013 will be the year of great progress with the completion of the reprocessing plant and the establishment of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle business.
  • We are determined to continue making company-wide efforts in the spirit of Safety First.