Reconfirmation of fast reactor mission and development status in the world and Japan

Chikazawa, Yoshitaka  ; Asayama, Tai ; Kamide, Hideki 

Fast reactors are vital to achieve nuclear fuel cycle sustainability. Extensive experiences of Sodium cooled fast reactors (SFRs) have been accumulated with past and existing prototype reactors in Japan and the world. Those technologies are matured from the view point of industrial development. In Japan, an advanced loop type SFR (Japan Sodium-cooled reactor (JSFR)) was selected in the Fast Reactor Cycle Development Project (FaCT) project showing that it could meet with requirements on GIF concepts. Monju is now the only prototype loop type reactor in the world. Operation of Monju is desired from the view point of development of key technologies and maintenance/repair program of loop type SFR.