Fifth Symposium on US-Japan Nuclear Energy Research Cooperation

“The Symposium on US-Japan Nuclear Energy Research Cooperation” was organized by the Washington Office of Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) on November 23, 2021 (November 24: Japan time). This year’s symposium, now its fifth year, was held in a hybrid format, combining a webinar style and in-person meeting at the venue, considering the COVID-19 infection. It was the first of its kind for an event organized by JAEA oversea office.

The participants of the U.S. side included officials of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), experts from U.S. national laboratories and representatives from the relevant U.S. industry; from the Japanese side, participants included JAEA senior management team, government officials of the Japanese Embassy in Washington D.C., the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), as well as staff of the Japanese electric utilities and vendors concerned. More than 100 people participated in the event both at the venue in Washington D.C. and on-line.

As an opening address, Mr. KODAMA Toshio, President, JAEA (CV) expressed his gratitude to all those involved in organizing the symposium. He noted the significant roles nuclear energy can play and the importance and future possibilities of cooperation in research, development and demonstration of advanced reactors and nuclear safety research, in response to today’s global trend towards carbon neutrality. He also expressed his expectation for further promoting cooperation/collaboration between Japan and the U.S.

Amb. TSUKADA Tamaki, Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C. (CV) expressed his congratulations for the holding of the symposium. He mentioned that the Kishida administration has maintained strong commitment to the Japan-U.S. alliance, including energy cooperation and that the administration has been focusing on the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technology as well as promoting initiatives in innovation, mitigation of and adaptation to climate change and human exchange through the partnership between the two countries. He also showed his expectations that the symposium would be the first opportunity to present the consensus reached at the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26). He also emphasized the need for political and policy leadership, as well as steady and practical bottom-up approach to achieve carbon neutrality in 2050. He expected then for further strengthening and promoting the Japan-U.S. cooperation in the areas of advanced reactors (Panel 1) and safety research (Panel 2) in response to various needs and expectations.

Dr. Kathryn Huff, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy, DOE (CV) congratulated the symposium and explained that the Biden administration has been committed to carbon neutrality by 2050 and decarbonization of the power generation sector by 2035; in order to achieve these goals, nuclear energy is critically important; in this context, Japan-U.S. cooperation will be maintained and strengthened; Japan and the U.S. not only at government level bus also between private sectors share many common interests,; JAEA has been active in various areas of nuclear energy including small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors; the Biden administration and the U.S. Congress support public-private partnership programs including the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP); the Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) is important as a fast neutron facility and that she hopes that Congress will allocate funds for the program in 2022.

As a keynote address, Hon. Christopher T. Hanson, Chairman, NRC (CV, Video) stated that as the environment for deploying advanced nuclear reactors continues to grow stronger around the world, including in the United States, NRC is focused on readiness to license and regulate these new technologies. He acknowledged that the Japanese government and industry have continued efforts to engage with the global community to ensure nuclear safety and to share lessons and experiences learned from the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO)’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident (hereafter, Fukushima Accident). As for advanced reactors, he stated that NRC is currently reviewing two license applications: Oklo’s Aurola Project planned for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) site and Kairos Power’s fluoride salt cooled, high temperature test reactor planned for a site in Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). He also mentioned that NRC actively engages with the ARDP awardees and focuses on establishing a new technology-inclusive regulatory flamework (10CFR Part 53), which is flexible to accommodate the wide range of reactor designs and that NRC is considering alternative regulatory frameworks for emergency preparedness generic environmental statement for advanced reactors. Furthermore, he pointed out the necessity of establishing regulations that include not only advanced reactors but its nuclear fuel cycle and value chain, securing and training human resources, and international research cooperation including national laboratories, noting that there is much to learn from Japan’s experience in operating non-light-water reactor (LWRs) such as High Temperature Test Reactor (HTTR) and Monju. He added that it is important to cooperate with other countries, including Japan, in establishing a regulatory framework and addressing the challenges of licensing the reactor designs of the future.

Ms. Maria Korsnick, President and CEO of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) (CV) (Ms. Carol Berrigan, Director of Federal Programs and Supplier Relations, made an address on behalf of Ms. Korsnick; Video) stated that we are in the midst of a climate crisis and time is running out for response; nuclear energy is not “part of the solution” but “the pivotal solution” in the clean energy transition, and outlined the outcomes of COP26 and the basic stance of each country. Then, bearing in mind the electricity situation in Japan and the U.S., she explained the position of nuclear energy as a baseload energy for decarbonization and emphasized that the partnership between the two countries is becoming increasingly important including in the context of next-generation nuclear technology and public-private partnership.

Mr. SHIMASAKI Seiichi, Director for Nuclear Fuel Cycles and Decommissioning, Research and Development Bureau, MEXT (CV, Presentation, Video) addressed issues on the position of nuclear energy in the Sixth Strategic Energy Plan, the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear technologies and human resources development, and MEXT’s mission to promote R&Ds and capacity building. Then, he explained the current status of JAEA’s Joyo and Monju, expressing high expectations for the potential role Joyo plays as a multi-purpose research platform and reported that HTTR and JRR-3 at JAEA resumed operation in July and February 2021, respectively. He also emphasized the role JAEA plays in the field of R&D on the decommissioning of TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and collaboration research between JAEA’s Collaborative Laboratories for Advanced Decommissioning Science (CLADS) and the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). He mentioned that as human resource development efforts, CLADS is leading the Advanced Remote Technology and Robotics for Decommissioning (ARTERD) project in the OECD/NEA’s Nuclear Education, Skills and Technology (NEST) Framework. He concluded by introducing the efforts of Advanced Nuclear Education Consortium (ANEC) for the future society as part of nuclear innovation.

Mr. KOBAYASHI Izuru, Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE), METI (CV, Presentation, Video) introduced the position the Sixth Strategic Energy Plan takes towards nuclear energy and mentioned the potential needs for nuclear technology development in the individual areas such as safety. He also mentioned that NEXIP (Nuclear Energy x Innovation Promotion）initiative accelerates the development of innovative nuclear technologies through funding support, access to R&D facilities and human resource development efforts and that METI supports various reactor technologies (SMRs, fast reactors, and high temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs)), including international cooperation projects, through the NEXIP initiative and that JAEA operates important test facilities, including Joyo and HTTR. As an example of funding support, he explained the current status and prospects of SMR development cooperation between Japan and the U.S (NuScale SMR, BWRX-300). Regarding the cooperation between Japan and the U.S. on fast reactor development, he explained that following the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation on VTR, discussion on the cooperation in the Natrium Reactor Project with TerraPower is under way and explained the areas where Japan is expected to contribute.

Panel 1 discussion on “R&D Cooperation on Advanced Reactors: ARDP and beyond” followed the remarks by Hon. William F. Martin, Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy (CV) who moderated the discussion. He stated that the very high level of participation in this symposium, including both former and incumbent chairmen of NRC, reflects the importance of the Japan-U.S. relationship and that this symposium should disseminate the message “Build it now,” or “Do it now,” emphasizing the importance of the actual deployment of the reactor beyond the concept study on paper. He continued that we are being challenged not only from the standpoint of decarbonization but also from the perspective of national security, and that the time is ripe now when expectations for nuclear energy are rising worldwide. He also stressed the need to foster the next generation of human resources, including in the context of innovation.

Dr. KAMIDE Hideki, Deputy Director General for Sector of Fast Reactor and Advanced Reactor Research and Development, JAEA (CV, Presentation, Video) introduced the history of fast reactor cycle development in Japan and the replacement of intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) for Joyo MK-III as an example of fast reactor component development. He then introduced the NEXIP Initiative, activities in the framework of the U.S.-Japan Civil Nuclear Energy R&D Working Group (CNWG), JAEA’s fast reactor cycle facilities and efforts on R&D, evaluation of various innovative reactor concepts and support method (Advanced Reactor Knowledge- and artificial intelligence- (AI-) aided Design Integration Approach through the whole plant lifecycle, ARKADIA), simulation of decay heat removal, experimental analysis of PLANDTL-2, a large-scale sodium test facility for the component development & demonstration (AtheNa), Joyo and neutron irradiation capacity, post irradiation examination in JAEA’s Oarai Research and Development Institute, nuclear and renewable hybrid energy system, restart of the HTTR and its future test plans for hydrogen production/heat application tests, and 3D printing ceramic fuel technology. As possibilities for future cooperation, he pointed out JAEA is interested in the projects related to sodium-cooled fast reactors (VTR and Natrium reactors) in the U.S., and noted two major issues of JAEA activities: 1) design assistance tool and infrastructures with excellent features, and 2) innovative challenges on a next-generation energy supply system with DX (digital transformation) and advanced nuclear fuel fabrication by means of 3D-printing. He expressed a hope for further strengthening of cooperation with the U.S. side in these areas.

Mr. Chris Levesque, President and CEO, TerraPower (CV, Presentation, Video) introduced the characteristics of the Natrium reactors being developed by TerraPower and reflecting the aims of the ARDP in the U.S., mentioned that the company won the ARDP award as a part of a public-private partnership. He then noted that the Natrium reactor will show a new way of nuclear energy that will transform the concept of nuclear energy and the merits of integration with renewables, and showed a prospected external view of the Natrium facility. He also reported his visit to JAEA’s Oarai Research and Development Institute and mentioned the fact that both organizations are considering cooperation.

Dr. Jess Gehin, Associate Laboratory Director, Nuclear Science & Technology Director, INL (CV, Presentation, Video) mentioned that the national laboratories in the U.S. support public-private partnership through ARDP and introduced the objectives and initiatives of the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) and referred to the funding support and the collaboration with the industry through the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN). He then touched upon the advanced reactor technologies R&D at INL and its targets, such as the Microreactor Applications Research Validation and Evaluation Project (MARVEL) microreactor. He overviewed the programs in the fields of nuclear fuel, materials, measurement and advanced modeling and simulation, and introduced the safety evaluation aspects of the performance verification of tri-structural Isotropic particle fuel (TRISO) as its example. Finally, answering a question from the moderator, he stated that these are also important in the framework of Japan-U.S. cooperation, especially in the context of decarbonization and public-private partnership.

Dr. Benjamin Betzler, Senior R&D Staff, Fusion and Fission Energy and Science Directorate, Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, Nuclear Modeling and Simulation Development and Deployment, ORNL (CV, Presentation, Video) briefed the developments of manufacturing and computational science as the background for the launch of the Transformational Challenging Reactor (TCR), which applies additive manufacturing (AM) and AI. He also outlined the agile design and development approach used in TCR, the core design down-selection process, safety and demonstrated manufacturing, assembly, and handling processes with full-sized core mockup. He concluded by noting that legacy of the TCR lies in the application of advanced manufacturing technologies, that the TCR program focuses currently on transitioning these technology thrusts into the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies (AMMT) program, that the program will continue to demonstrate advanced certification approaches for economical applications of novel manufacturing technologies, and that without the continued development of advanced manufacturing technology their applicability will not be broadened in the nuclear reactor industry.

Panel Discussion 2 titled “Cooperation between NRC and JAEA on Nuclear Safety Research: lesson learned from Fukushima and beyond“ was held with Dr. Richard Meserve, former Chairman of NRC (CV) as a moderator, who stated that we have learned valuable lessons from the Fukushima Accident and that we need to continue to learn from the accident in terms of risk assessment of external events, emergency response, relevant equipment and facilities, public relations and decommissioning.

Mr. Raymond Furstenau, Director, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, NRC (CV, Presentation, Video) outlined NRC and its organization and identified the NRC/JAEA collaboration projects and potential future areas of cooperation and those of common interest, such as high temperature materials. He introduced the contribution of JAEA to technical meetings and workshops on severe accidents, thermal-hydraulics, reactor kinetics and Fukushima forensics. He also explained efforts in the areas of advanced fuel technologies, advanced nuclear technology licensing, advanced nuclear technology research, probabilistic risk assessment (PRA), engineering and material science, and subsequent license renewal. He concluded by indicating several areas where we could collaborate in the future, including thermal-hydraulic safety of LWRs, SMRs and non-LWRs.

Dr. NAKAMURA Takehiko, Director General, Nuclear Safety Research Center, JAEA (CV, Presentation, Video) explained the role of the center, its research themes, and future directions, taking into account the context of the post-Fukushima Accident. He outlined the current status of cooperation between NRC and JAEA, reminding that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations in the area of nuclear safety research will expire at the end of 2022, and identifying NRC as a continued important partner and listing potential future areas of cooperation, including external events, Level 3 PRA, health effect models, and safety evaluation of accident tolerant fuel (ATF). He introduced CIGMA (Containment InteGral Measurement Apparatus) and other main JAEA facilities for safety research and their characteristics. He then referred to international collaborations as well as JAEA research facilities as the Potential platform for such internal collaborations, such as Nuclear Safety Research Reactor (NSRR), High-burnup Experiments in Reactivity Initiated Accidents (HERA) in cooperation with U.S. INL under the Framework for IrraDiation ExperimentS (FIDES), Static Experiment Critical Facility (STACY), ATF R&D program, of which JAEA’s Sector of Nuclear Science Research is a part, and the OECD/NEA LOFC (Loss of Forced Cooling) Project, which simulates the loss of forced cooling and is led by the Sector of Fast Reactor and Advanced Reactor Research and Development, JAEA. He concluded by hoping continuous cooperation with NRC in the future, such as in severe accident research, utilization of JAEA R&D facilities and cooperation on other research areas including HTGR safety research with HTTR (NEA/LOFC) as a non-LWR safety issue. He also mentioned the resumption of personnel exchange between JAEA and NRC, which has recently been suspended.

Dr. Richard Meserve added that in order for Japan to maintain nuclear energy, lifetime extension of existing reactors is necessary, and it would be beneficial to incorporate the regulatory experience of the U.S.

At the Q&A session, there was a lively exchange of views and opinions taking place, focusing on the complementary role of the Natrium reactor and VTR project and its future outlook, and the importance of public-private partnership, among others.

Mr. Paul Dickman, Senior Policy Fellow, Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) (CV) and Mr. Damian Peko, DOE wrapped up the panel discussions.

In his closing remarks, Mr. FUNAKI Kentaro, Executive Director for International Affairs and Fukushima R&D, JAEA (CV) stated that the symposium provided an excellent opportunity to continue and expand cooperation between Japan and the U.S., and to gain momentum for further progress. He also mentioned that in terms of supporting nuclear innovation, 1) the expertise and experience of JAEA can be provided for private sector, 2) JAEA has accumulated considerable experience in developing rules for new concepts as a technical support organization (TSO), and 3) JAEA has a broad platform to bridge more universities and research institutions with the private sector and regulators. He adjourned the symposium by stating that he would like to further promote discussions and cooperation with the U.S. counterpart through these various channels.

Throughout the symposium, intensive discussion was made based on the latest developments in Japan and U.S. with key persons in the nuclear R&D fields participating. JAEA will continue to take advantage of various opportunities to expand our networking with the United States, among others.

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