Needs and potential applications of small and medium-sized light water reactors in Japan

Abstract

The investigations and examinations presented here are on SMLWRs that are feasible in the near future by an improvement of present technologies. The object of this investigation is to examine the needs and usage of SMLWRs in Japan, to grasp and clarify its problems, and to search for its characteristics and possibilities in such aspects as economical competitiveness, siting suitability, and safety. In this article, we shall give a review on the results of our investigations on the needs, usage, development goals, and development problems of SMLWRs in Japan. Background of SMLWR concept is discussed along with the past Japanese LWR development programs. Goals of Japanese SMLWRs are proposed in the frame of three objectives of economic efficiency, improvement of plant performance and simplification of construction.