December 6, 2024
Japan Atomic Energy Agency
The Japan Atomic Power Company
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Mitsubishi FBR Systems, Inc.
Conclusion of Implementing Arrangement for
Fast Reactor Development with France
The General Arrangement, which summarizes the details of cooperation regarding the development of fast reactors, was updated between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission.
Following the update of the agreement between the Japanese and French governmental authorities, the implementing agencies of the fast reactor development collaboration, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), The Japan Atomic Power Company, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), and Mitsubishi FBR Systems, Inc. (MFBR), signed an "Arrangement for R&D Cooperation" for research, development, and design review of fast reactor with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, Electricité de France, and FRAMATOME as of December 6, 2024. Under the Arrangement for R&D Cooperation, we will utilize the experience of Japan's "Joyo" and "Monju" and France's "Phenix" and "Superphenix" to advance research and development of severe accidents, structural materials, core materials, fuel technology, numerical simulation tools, design review, and design requirements for the Japanese demonstration fast reactor.
In addition, JAEA, MHI and MFBR signed a “Design Cooperation Implementation Arrangement” with FRAMATOME on design cooperation for the fast reactor on December 6, 2024. The Design Cooperation Implementation Arrangement calls for cooperation taking benefit from France's experience to comfort the design and design evaluation of equipment and systems that the Japanese side considers necessary for the Japanese project.
With the conclusion of these implementing arrangements, the development track record and operating experience in France will be reflected in the conceptual design of the Japanese demonstration fast reactor and associated research and development in Japan, promoting the development of fast reactor in Japan and in France.