Japan's nuclear fuel cycle

Abstract

Nuclear power is the largest single source of electrical power in Japan, providing a third of Japan's energy needs. Because of its lack of natural resources, Japan has long supported a nuclear power program with a special focus on recycling nuclear fuel. The first commercial spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant is now under construction in Aomori Prefecture. Nuclear energy is important because it lessens the environmental degradation caused by use of fossil fuels, says Atsuyuki Suzuki, professor of nuclear engineering in the Department of Quantum Engineering and Systems Science, Tokyo University. However, there are several hurdles that must be overcome before Japan's nuclear industry can expand to meet future energy needs.