Japan Sets Schedule For Next-Generation LWR Designs
Written by NucNet
Monday, 30 August 2010
Japan says it hopes to complete “the basic design” of next-generation light water reactors by 2015 with a “roadmap” for their deployment ready by March 2025.
The Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF) said Japan’s public and private sectors have been working jointly to finalise concepts for next-generation LWRs, both boiling water reactors and pressurised water reactors in the 1,700-1,800-megawatt class.
The work is being carried out in anticipation of the need to replace current nuclear units both in Japan and around the world, starting around 2030 a process that involves sorting out requirements and international standards for global markets.
JAIF said total nuclear power plant replacement demand in Japan, the US and Europe is estimated at 270 units between 2030 and 2050. In addition, demand can also be expected from countries introducing nuclear power for the first time.
In trying to develop standard designs for international application Japan has focused on reducing construction and generation costs, achieving the highest level of safety in, and allowing easy operation and use.
