The industry ministry picked Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. as a company to play the core role in developing a next-generation nuclear reactor with a demonstration sodium-cooled fast reactor slated to begin operation in the 2040s. The government categorizes the fast reactor as one of five next-generation reactors, one of which is a high-temperature gas reactor.
Fast reactors are considered superior to existing nuclear reactors because they are more efficient and produce less radioactive waste. The ministry said July 12 it will start a development project this fiscal year of a demonstration reactor to determine its economic viability as a preliminary step toward practical use.
In March the ministry began soliciting a rough design for the initial phase and a core company to handle manufacturing and construction. It received three proposals. The design selected was a tank type sodium-cooled fast reactor proposed by a subsidiary of MHI. It was commended for having a concrete prospect of marketability when put into practical use.
MHI was also chosen as the core company due to its track record in fast reactor development and related international cooperation.
While many companies will be involved in the development and operation of the reactor, the core company oversees placing orders with major manufacturers and general contractors, in addition to designing the reactor.
The ministry set aside a budget of 46 billion yen ($332 million) for the demonstration reactor development project over the next three years, starting this fiscal year.
However, a successful outcome is no guarantee despite the large budget. MHI has experienced setbacks in developing a fast reactor.
The “Monju” prototype fast-breeder reactor, the preliminary stage of a demonstration reactor, encountered a spate of problems, including a sodium leak accident in 1995, and was barely operational before the decision was made in 2016 to decommission the facility.
MHI was involved in the development and construction of Monju as a core company.
An inspection by the Board of Audit of Japan revealed that the project cost more than 1.1 trillion yen.
Many people question further fast reactor development.