April 25, 2014

Monthly Press Conference

Today, President Kawai held a monthly press conference in Aomori City and talked about a "Review on Compliance with the New Regulatory Requirements" and the "Cabinet Decision for the Basic Energy Plan"

"Review on Compliance with the New Regulatory Requirements"

  • JNFL explained the expansion of severe accident countermeasures at the reprocessing facilities in the review meeting on April 17, and the reorganization of important-to-safety facilities in the review meeting on April 24. JNFL believes it gained reviewers' understanding as a whole.
  • For example, in a severe accident at the reprocessing facilities, the most important task is to prevent radioactive materials from having an impact on the environment.
  • The basic policy is to initiate actions to swiftly bring the accident under control, and prevent the discharge of radioactive materials from the facilities as much as possible. Specific measures are as follows:
  • In the event that the high-level radioactive liquid waste tank loses its cooling function, that the mechanisms for preventing such function loss or spread of its impact fail, and that solution containing radioactive materials starts to leak from a tank in a cell, JNFL would guide the leaked solution to a large-capacity cell, etc., and keep the radioactive materials in the cell sufficiently to settle them, thereby reducing their volume. In a situation that could lead to a secondary risk, e.g. increase of pressure in the facilities, JNFL would use portable high-performance particulate filters that have been additionally deployed to remove as much radioactive materials from gases waste as possible before discharging it.
  • In response, the reviewers urged JNFL to present a detailed procedure for containing radioactive materials in a cell, and ensure that all possible measures have been explored.
  • In the first review meeting on seismic safety, convened on March 28, the reviewers suggested that a drilling survey be carried out to confirm the southern edge of the Deto West Fault. JNFL has decided to perform a drilling survey in response, and plans to carry out a preliminary boring by the end of April to determine the specific locations for the main survey, so as to start the survey in early May.
  • As already explained, JNFL, Tohoku Electric Power Company, Tokyo Electric Power Company and Recyclable-Fuel Storage Company are conducting off-shore drilling with the deep sea drilling vessel "Chikyu" with the aim of further expanding geological data for the area east of the Shimokita Peninsula. The investigation began on April 6, and is currently collecting core samples from two boring core locations (up to around 700 meters below sea level at the seas around 600 meters deep). With the steady gathering of data, the companies will continue with further investigation and data assessment, and plan to release a report as soon as the findings are compiled.

"Cabinet approval for the Basic Energy Plan"

  • The Cabinet approved the new "Basic Energy Plan" on April 11.
  • The Plan defines nuclear energy as an "important base-load power source that contributes to the stability of the energy supply – demand structure." It also says Japan will continue to promote the nuclear fuel cycle program, which JNFL takes charge of, while seeking the understanding of relevant local governments and the international community. More specifically, the plan clearly states that Japan will promote the Plu-Thermal Project: MOX Fuel Use in Thermal Reactor, work toward completing the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant, build a MOX fuel fabrication plant, and strive to complete the Mutsu Interim Spent Fuel Storage Facilities on the major premise of safety assurance.
  • In view of the energy situation in this resource-poor nation, it is necessary to continue utilizing nuclear energy as a key source of electricity. The nuclear fuel cycle program is also extremely important from the perspective of effectively utilizing uranium resources and reducing the bulk of nuclear waste. In this sense, there is a strong significance in the government's "Basic Energy Plan" firmly confirming the promotion of the nuclear fuel cycle program.
  • JNFL will continue to make company-wide efforts to establish the nuclear fuel cycle while placing top priority on safety.