Provisional Operation Plans for Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant and MOX Fuel Fabrication Plant (Possible Annual Quantities of Reprocessing and Plutonium for MOX Fuel Fabrication)

The Nuclear Reprocessing and Decommissioning facilitation Organization of Japan (NuRO) requested that JNFL prepare a provisional operation plan during FY2026 to FY2030 (possible capacities of Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant (RRP) and MOX Fuel Fabrication Plant) in order to consider the revision of "Medium-Term Implementation Plan for Spent Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing". JNFL, therefore, investigated the technically achievable capacities of both plants from FY2026 to FY2030, considering the outlook for the plant operation and the replacement of vitrification melters and others with top priority on safety and stable operation, and developed operation plans as shown in the tables below.

In order to enhance transparency in discussions on the utilization of plutonium, JNFL hereby makes our provisional operation plans publicly available. The final operational plans for RRP and MOX fuel fabrication plant will be developed in accordance with the Medium-Term Implementation Plan for Spent Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing. This Medium-Term Plan will be formulated by NuRO, taking into account the balance of plutonium supply and demand in accordance with "The Basic Principles on Japan's Utilization of Plutonium" (July 31, 2018 Japan Atomic Energy Commission) and be approved by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(1) An Operation Plan for Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant (Possible Annual Quantity of Reprocessing)

Japanese Fiscal Year(FY)	2026		2027		2028		2029		2030
Japanese Fiscal Year(FY)	1^st half	2^nd half	1^st half	2^nd half	1^st half	2^nd half	1^st half	2^nd half	1^st half	2^nd half
Possible reprocessing quantity (ton U_Pr)^*1	0		70		170		90		400
Possible reprocessing quantity (ton U_Pr)^*1	-	0	0	70	60	110	0	90	190	210
Expected plutonium recovery (ton Pu_total)^*2	0		0.6		1.4		0.7		3.2
Expected plutonium recovery (ton Pu_total)^*2	-	0	0	0.6	0.5	0.9	0	0.7	1.5	1.7

*1: ton U_Pr means converted mass in tons of metallic uranium before irradiation

*2: ton Pu_total means total mass in tons of Pu isotopes

(Note)

JNFL will treat solutions and waste liquids in FY2027 and start shearing of spent fuel afterward.
After the start of shearing, JNFL will gradually increase the possible reprocessing quantity, and introduce advanced vitrification melters, with the highest priority placed on safety and stable operation. The quantity will be raised to the maximum annual reprocessing capacity of 800tonU/y by around FY2032.
JNFL will replace the vitrification melters in RRP in a planned manner before they reach the end of their service lifetimes. RRP has two operation lines of vitrification melters. The replacement of vitrification melter in the first line is scheduled to take place from FY2028 to FY 2029. Therefore, the possible reprocessing quantity will decrease in FY2029.
The figures for plutonium recovery may fluctuate depending on the types of reprocessed spent fuel and timing of reprocessing and others. The figures are rounded off to one decimal place.

(2) An Operation Plan for MOX Fuel Fabrication Plant (Possible Annual Quantity of Plutonium for MOX Fuel Fabrication)

Japanese Fiscal Year(FY)	2026	2027	2028	2029	2030
Possible MOX fuel fabrication quantity (ton Pu_total)^*3	-	0	0	0	2.0

*3: ton Pu_total means total mass in tons of Pu isotopes

(Note)

JNFL will conduct the quality verification tests and others after the completion of the MOX fuel fabrication plant, and start the MOX fuel fabrication in FY2030 afterward.
The capacity for MOX fuel fabrication may fluctuate depending on the types and timing of the spent fuel to be reprocessed. The figures have been rounded off to one decimal place.