Japanese strategy for fuel and materials safety research in support to nuclear regulation

原子力規制支援に向けた日本の燃料・材料安全研究戦略

杉山 智之 

Sugiyama, Tomoyuki

This presentation provides the strategy of Nuclear Safety Research Center (NSRC) of JAEA to carry out fuel and materials safety research in the present situation to support nuclear regulation. Materials irradiation reactors are powerful tools to obtain technical knowledges needed for regulatory support, but permanent shutdown was decided for JMTR in Japan and Halden reactor in Norway which have been primary tools for Japanese R&D of fuel and materials. The NSRC is seeking alternative ways to keep R&D and one of possible solutions is joining the post-Halden international framework proposed by OECD/NEA, in which existing irradiation facilities in some countries are used for joint experimental programs. The NSRC is participating in international discussions on it and setting domestic discussions among stakeholders. Activation of fuel and materials R&D both for regulation and industry is essential for regulatory support, because the decline of R&D leads to a decline of safety.