Japan

JAPAN

ANALYSIS / ISSUES

As an island-nation, Japan cannot trade energy with its neighbors via power transmission lines, which poses a problem for inexpensive energy exchanges. Natural resources pose a second problem for Japan as it has very few natural energy options and must depend on energy-imports for 80% of its energy resources. Utilizing nuclear energy to the fullest extent is just one way in which Japan's energy program is working to overcome its natural difficulties. The energy program also depends upon both thermal and hydroelectric power. The creation of an extensive nuclear power program is an attempt to diversify Japanese energy alternatives in order to prevent heavy reliance on any one source. By not diversifying, Japan could run the risk of potentially jeopardizing Japan's energy security. As a heavy importer, the country was struck by two oil crises (one being the 1973 Arab oil embargo) and has since made an effort to expand its approach to energy programming. Nuclear energy is an attractive option that continues to increase in importance, as it is a stable power source that can help to relieve environmental problems.

Public opposition to the nuclear power program in Japan has increased in recent years as a result of a string of nuclear power plant accidents in that country. One of these incidents included a fire and explosion at the Tokai-mura reprocessing plant in March 1997. The Janurary 17, 1995 Kobe earthquake raised concerns about the safety of nuclear power plant facilities and the threat of earthquakes. While Kobe and the surrounding area sustained much damage, none of the power plants within a 200km radius were affected, and they all continued to run at normal capacity. Although nuclear power plants are designed to withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes, there is concern as to the frequency and high magnitude of Japanese earthquakes. This concern has led to an increased level of attention paid to the safe design of Japanese power plants.

The Japanese government has made a point of advocating the recovery of uranium and plutonium through the reprocessing of spent fuel. This process adds security to Japan's nuclear energy program. In 2003, Japan's stockpile of plutonium surpassed the amount of plutonium found in the US nuclear arsenal. At that time Japan owned 38 tons of plutonium, with 33 of those tons located at Japanese-owned processors in Europe, while the remaining 5 tons stored at home. Plutonium production in Japan is not slowing down. The government of Japan explains its increased production of plutonium as an attempt to reduce its reliance on foreign uranium. Japan's store of plutonium could reach 100 tons by 2015 once a planned reprocessing plant opens in Rokkasho-mura. The Japanese Atomic Energy Commission releases an annual inventory of all of Japan's separated plutonium and the Government denies all claims that Japan hopes to institute a nuclear weapons program.

On February 28, 2005, Japan was among 11 countries to sign into effect the Generation IV International Forum (GIF), a multilateral agreement to promote the development of next generation nuclear energy systems. The participating countries now have more freedom to globally conduct joint research projects. So far, six technologies have been targeted for research: the Gas Cooled Reactor, the Sodium Fast Reactor, the Lead-Cooled Fast Reactor, the Molten Salt Reactor, the Supercritical Water Reactor, and the Very High Temperature Reactor.

In July 2005, France was named as the country to host the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). Japan had also placed a bid for this reactor, but despite losing the bid to France, the EU has considered making Japan a "joint host" in the project. This title would allow Japan's Rokkasho-mura to become one of the project's research hubs while the reactor is built in France. The EU has already granted Japan $533 million worth of contracts to build related ITER facilities and an analysis center for ITER. If a second ITER is to be built in the future, the EU has pre-selected Japan as the site.

Power Reactors Operating in Japan

Japanese Reactors Under Construction