Current status of new research reactor at the Monju Site

Mineo, Hideaki  

In September 2020, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) selected a medium-power reactor of less than 10,000 kW, whose main purpose is to use neutron beams, as the reactor type of the new research reactor at Monju Site. As a project commissioned by MEXT, conceptual design and consideration of utilization operation of this research reactor were started, and JAEA, Kyoto University and University of Fukui were adopted as the core organizations of the commissioned project in November 2020. Currently, conceptual design, geological survey, and examination of utilization management are being conducted. Until the end of FY2022, the conceptual design will be carried out while reflecting the opinions from the consortium established regarding the Monju Site research reactor, and the detailed design is scheduled to start within FY2022.