TABLE OF CONTENTS Feasibility study on commercialized Fast Reactor (FR) cycle systems has been carried out by a joint team established in JNC with the participation of all parties concerned in Japan since July 1999[18], [19]. Figure 15 shows the development plan of the FR cycle systems. In phase 1, a wide range of technical options were reviewed and evaluated, data and materials required for clarifying the commercialization strategy are collected and highly feasible candidate concepts are screened. During Phase 2, a well-balanced consistency of the entire FR cycle has been pursued, candidate concepts screened in Phase 1 have been narrowed down, and essential research themes have been identified. After phase 2, R&D will be carried out under a rolling plan where checks and reviews will be performed every five years. By around 2015, a proposal regarding highly attractive and competitive FR cycle technology will be established.
The FR cycle consists of the two basic concepts of the FR system and the fuel cycle which includes reprocessing and fuel fabrication system.
FR system concepts, which combine oxide, nitride and metal as fuels with sodium, heavy metal, gas and water as coolants, were evaluated through extensive technical investigation and highly feasible candidate concepts to be studied in Phase 2 were screened as shown in Table 2.
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Evaluation of fuel cycle systems for the purpose of screening highly feasible concepts was...
