President Toshio KODAMA
We sincerely thank you for your understanding and continuous support regarding the research and development (R&D) activities of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA).
JAEA’s mission, as the only comprehensive nuclear R&D institution in Japan, is to contribute to the welfare and prosperity of human society through nuclear science and technology (S&T). In order to achieve this, JAEA works on the response to the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (NPS) operated by the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc., researches the improvement of nuclear safety, carries out R&D on the nuclear fuel cycle and on radioactive waste treatment and disposal technology, and engages in basic and fundamental research in the nuclear field.
In response to the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi NPS, and based on the Mid-and-Long-Term Roadmap towards the Decommissioning, etc., we are working on R&D for both decommissioning and environmental recovery. This includes preparation for analysis of fuel debris, environmental radiation monitoring for the lifting of evacuation orders in areas where it is difficult to return, and activities to improve safety through accident investigation in cooperation with the Nuclear Regulation Authority. Additionally, based on the “Backend Roadmap” and “Medium-/Long-Term Management Plan of JAEA Facilities”, we will continue to safely and steadily advance decommissioning and backend measures for, among others, Monju, Fugen, and Tokai Reprocessing Plant.
In addition, we will conduct R&D on fast reactors and advanced reactors, as well as basic and fundamental research aimed at creating new uses of atomic energy; we will also proceed with measures for the resumption of the operation of experimental research reactors. In the future, in conjunction with the resumption of operation of JRR-3, we will operate a service platform that adds general equipment to large-scale facilities which can only be provided by JAEA. We will also promote joint research and collaboration with industry, academia, and government institutions to create innovation.
In October 2019, JAEA set forth a future vision entitled “JAEA 2050 +” which outlines its future profile, namely the goals to be set and the actions to be taken toward these goals in order to continue its social contribution into the future. The future vision envisages progress toward fusion of the nuclear energy field with other fields with the aim of realizing a “new-era nuclear S&T” that can contribute to resolving global climate change, securing energy supply, and achieving the ideal future society (Society 5.0).
This work aims to introduce topics that are representative of our latest R&D achievements. We hope that this publication will help you understand our R&D activities.
We appreciate your continued encouragement and cooperation.
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