ACHIEVEMENTS IN DEVELOPMENT(3)



　Construction and Overall Functioning Test of Fugen

Construction of Fugen started in 1970 and progressed as scheduled with the cooperation of the Electric Power Development Company, Japan Atomic Power Company, and other electric companies. The installation of equipment was completed in 1977. During this period, major changes were made for the core design, such as a reduction of the number of recirculation loops in order to streamline its operation. However, good use of full-scale facilities and domestication of the major equipment and components helped complete the changes in a short period of time, without affecting the work schedule. This is also a remarkable example of the achievement of self-dependent development. The subsequent overall functioning testing verified the basic performance of the equipment and components, as well as the integrated functions of the plant. Also, tests for nuclear characteristics of the reactor, plant dynamic characteristics, and power-up, including initial power transmission, were conducted under a thorough scheme. The test results were proved the validity by satisfactory comparison with the design figures, the data acquired at the test facilities, and estimate analysis. The test results showed the high level of domestic industrial technology, and proved Fugen's capability of operating, rated output as a stable power plant. Consequently, the achievements represented the birth of actually the first domestic power reactor. This long-cherished dream of industrial technology, that Japan had united its efforts, finally realized at the very moment when the first transmission was achieved on July 29, 1978.
　Operational Performance

　Technological Feasibility as a Power Plant
On March 20, 1979, a year after Fugen reached the first criticality, the plant passed the performance test by the government. Since then, it has been commissioning for 24 years, generating 21.9TWh of total power output at an average capacity factor of 62% (utility factor of 64%). Since Fugen employed a six-month operation cycle with refueling twice a year in terms of fuel economy, the figures show it bears comparison with commercial LWRs that employ a one-year operation cycle. This is rather unparalleled performance for a prototype reactor in the world.
Fugen has of course experienced a variety of troubles. However, they have been overcome through investigation of the causes and preventive measures against reoccurrence in a short term due to accumulated know-how and experience in development or simulation tests and verifications using the full-scale facilities. This is another great effort of its own development.

Press Conference for the First Criticality