Message from the Director

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【Message from the Director General of “Fugen”】
To our valued stakeholders,

I sincerely appreciate your continued understanding and support for the decommissioning project of the Prototype Advanced Thermal Reactor "Fugen" at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency.

The "Fugen" decommissioning project commenced in 2008, based on the fundamental principles to prioritize safety, minimize environmental impact, and proceed with the decommissioning process, following the approval of our decommissioning plan. This project marks the final chapter in the "Fugen" lifecycle, a reactor designed and built with indigenous Japanese technology. By safely and efficiently executing this decommissioning project, we aim to demonstrate the effectiveness and sustainability of utilizing nuclear energy in power plants.

Currently, we are in the second phase of the decommissioning plan, the "Decommissioning and Removal of Equipment Around the Reactor." We are actively engaged in dismantling and removing piping and equipment at the reactor building. From 2025, we began dismantling large equipment, including the recirculation pumps.

Furthermore, we are promoting utilization of the clearance system to recycle and reuse materials generated during decommissioning that do not require treating as radioactive waste. With the support of local communities, we are actively participating in national and local government projects, and showcasing recycled products from clearance materials in our facilities and public spaces, demonstrating our commitment to resource utilization.

Looking ahead to the third phase of the decommissioning plan, which involves dismantling the reactor itself, we are diligently developing remote welding and inspection technologies to further enhance safety. We are also advancing the implementation of remote and underwater dismantling technologies, including laser cutting methods, through design verification and validation of dismantling equipment and procedures.

Regarding the spent fuels currently stored at the "Fugen," we are steadily progressing with the modification process for the design approval of the transport cask, the domestic transportation of the transport cask, and the improvement of necessary facilities and equipment, in preparation for the commencement of transport to France in JFY 2027.

To ensure the steady progress of these projects, we are collaborating and cooperating with local companies, universities, research institutions, operators of electric utilities, and overseas organizations. We will also strive to disseminate and share the knowledge gained, which will be valuable for the decommissioning of light water reactors in the future.

All of the “Fugen” staff members are committed to conducting this decommissioning project safely and with the understanding and trust of the local community and the public. We remain dedicated to this challenging task and appreciate your continued support.

Sincerely,