New research reactor program at the "Monju" site, Japan

佐々 敏信   

Sasa, Toshinobu

In 2016, together with decommission of prototype fast breeder reactor "Monju", Japanese government decided to construct a new research reactor at the Monju site. The new research reactor will be a medium-power reactor (less than 10MWth), which can supply neutron beams widely from basic research to industrial application. The basic specifications were also selected by the national council held by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, from the viewpoint of contribution to local development and realizing functions as a core base in western Japan area for nuclear research and human resource development in 2020. In 2022, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) was selected as the main implementing body for the detailed design stage in cooperation with Kyoto University and University of Fukui. For the engineering design, manufacturing and installation of the reactor system, JAEA signed a contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., based on the competitive proposals in 2023. As a unique initiative in Japan, the consortium, which consists of various stakeholders such as the local government, the local industries, and academic societies, was founded to reflect the advice and suggestions to the new research reactor program. The outline and current status of the new research reactor program will be summarized in the presentation.