Message from Director General of Oarai R&D Institute

Oarai Research ＆ Development Institute is one of the major research and development centers of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), which has a history and research experience of more than 50 years since its predecessors, the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI) and the Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation (PNC), started operations in Oarai town, Ibaraki Prefecture, in April 1967 and March 1970, respectively.

Since its establishment, the institute has been consistently engaged in technological development for building future nuclear reactors, called Next Generation Innovative Reactors, and is internationally known as a core center for research on Next Generation Innovative Reactors.

The Next-Generation Innovative Reactor is a technology that is expected to help Japan achieve its goal of securing energy diversity and a carbon-neutral society with zero greenhouse gas emissions overall, as well as the three pillars of JAEA's aim to realize a future society,
(1) To create synergy by complementing the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power and renewable energy.
(2) To solve the problems of radioactive waste and energy resources, and to make nuclear energy itself sustainable.
(3) To pursue the applicability of nuclear energy not only in the energy field but also in all fields that support society, and to diversify nuclear technologies (ubiquitous).

In the Institute, research facilities such as HTTR (High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor), Experimental fast reactor Joyo, and related post irradiation examination facilities are utilized to conduct research and development of fast reactors, HTGRs, and heat utilization technology under the national policy. In addition, we are planning to conduct a technical demonstration for the production of radioisotopes for medical use by utilizing the features of the experimental fast reactor Joyo. In addition, we are also developing environmental technologies, including decommissioning of nuclear facilities that have fulfilled their intended role and radioactive waste management, as well as contributing to R&D and human resource development in Japan and overseas for the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant by fully utilizing our research achievements and facilities.

We are committed to fulfilling our mission of contributing to the welfare and prosperity of human society through nuclear science and technology, while maintaining a thorough commitment to safety as a fundamental premise of our operations and striving to coexist in harmony with the people of the region.

We look forward to your continued guidance and support.