However, this tripartite relationship made it difficult to respond unitedly to the subsequent changes in energy supply and demand in Japan and abroad, as well as changes in the social environment surrounding nuclear power. That lack of concerted response is considered to have had adverse influence on the advancement of the project.

Although Fugen will stop operating in March 2003, the basic policy of Japan's nuclear utilization program, which is to establish a nuclear fuel cycle to utilize plutonium, will remain unaltered. The reserve of uranium resource is limited and it lasts only for hundred years or less just like fossil fuel resource. By reminding of the utilization of nuclear power is not merely an option for energy supply, but is the key to guaranteeing energy security, we can appreciate all over again the far-seeing wisdom of our predecessors at the dawn of Japan's nuclear age, who adopted the self-dependent development line.

We believe that the technological achievements and human resources cultivated in the ATR development project, the Fugen project and its operation, will be transferred to the Plutonium Utilization Programme in LWRs and FBR project, where they will greatly contribute to the advancement of those undertakings.
Safety Rally for the 17th Periodical Inspection



This photo was taken at the safety rally for the last check-up during service, the 17th periodical inspection. All members involved in the inspection, including Fugen staff members, employees from partner companies who serve at Fugen, and inspection engineers from manufacturers, gathered at the rally to pledge to strive for safety while carrying out the inspection. Significant achievements were realized through a series of persistent efforts aimed at supporting safe and stable operation.