Akira Yamaguchi, Professor of Department of Energy and Environment, Osaka University (Japan):

 — I appreciate the efforts that have been made for the BN-600 and other existing projects. I am interested in the BN-600 project, because it is a very interesting power unit in terms of design

On July 23, 2010 the IXth scientific-technical conference dedicated to 30 years of successful operation of the unique BN-600 power unit with fast neutrons reactor was held in Zarechny city, Sverdlovsk region. The conference was organized by Rosenergoatom Concern OJSC and Beloyarsk NPP. The conference was attended by over 100 professionals. Among them — representatives of Rosenergoatom Concern OJSC, research studies institutes, design organizations as well as foreign nuclear specialists from Italy, France, India and Japan.

Akira Yamaguchi, Professor of Department of Energy and Environment, Osaka University (Japan):

Japan imports more than 80% of energy. Fast reactors are a reliable source of electric power and the construction of fast reactors contributes to the efficient use of nuclear fuel. Fast reactors and nuclear fuel cycle are considered as one of the five most important components of Japan’s policy in the field of science and technology. The Japanese Government, like the Russian one, is eager to develop the nuclear power industry.

At Monge NPP a nuclear technology which is now used was developed. There were problems in how to negotiate with public in order to promote this technology. And that is why it took considerable time to launch Monge. In my opinion, it was a too long period. During this time, negotiations took place between the government and the public. This complex system of making agreements with public, research center, etc., — these frameworks proved to be not very effective, and in the nearest 15 years they will be changed. At the moment there is a question of having a more powerful reactor and a more simple contractual system.

At the moment we develop a large-scale project — a power unit with capacity of 1,500 mW, we are approaching the detailed design stage. The licensing process will start in 2014. We hope that the power unit will be commissioned by 2025. The process of a more detailed research and investigation will start after 2025, and by 2050 it is planned to turn this reactor into industrial.

I appreciate the efforts that have been made for the BN-600 and other existing projects. I am interested in the BN-600 project, because it is a very interesting power unit in terms of design. It is also very important to develop this technology and to support international cooperation. The competition in the field of nuclear reactors has been completed, and it is high time for cooperation, especially for countries leading in this field — Russia, Japan, France. Therefore, I used the opportunity to see the power unit and get acquainted with Russian colleagues.

I work at the university, and know many students. I see their interest in this subject, as they see the importance of this industry and of sustainable energy supplies. Moreover, the nuclear power industry needs not only nuclear specialists. It is an integrated industry. It is in need of chemical engineers and engineers of other occupations. And academic organizations shall provide such cooperation and exchange between engineering groups in order to engage them in this area.

REFERENCE: Beloyarsk NPP is a branch of Rosenergoatom Concern OJSC operating all nuclear power plants of Russia. This is the first NPP in the nuclear power industry of the country and the only one with reactors of different types on the same site. At Beloyarsk NPP the unique power unit with a fast neutron reactor of industrial power level is being operated — BN-600. The BN-800 power unit with a fast neutron reactor is being constructed. The fast neutron power units serve for substantial extension of the fuel base of the nuclear power industry and minimization of radioactive waste due to the closed nuclear fuel cycle. The first power units of Beloyarsk NPP with the AMB-100 and AMB-200 fast neutron reactors have outlived their usefulness.