Back to 2006 listApplication for approval of changes to nuclear-reactor equipment at Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant's Reactor No. 4, in accordance with Chubu Electric Power's pluthermal plan
March 3, 2006
Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.
Today, in preparation for implementation of its pluthermal plan, Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. submitted to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry an application for approval of changes to the nuclear-reactor equipment at the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant (for changes to the nuclear-reactor equipment at reactor nos. 1 - 5* of the plant), pursuant to the Law on the Regulation of Nuclear Source Material, Nuclear Fuel Material and Reactors.
* Although MOX fuels will be stored temporarily in transport casks in the cask storage area, since this area is shared by reactor nos. 1 - 5, this application concerns changes related to reactor nos. 1 - 3 and no. 5, as well as reactor no. 4, which is to use MOX fuels.
Specifically, this application involves matters such as use of uranium-plutonium mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel as part of the replacement fuel for reactor no. 4.
Since arrangements for fuel structural components (parts, materials, etc.) are required prior to producing MOX fuels, Chubu Electric Power plans to conclude processing agreements with the fuel producers in the near future. Production of MOX fuels will begin after this change to nuclear-reactor equipment is approved and the related preparations completed.
Note: The term "pluthermal" refers to the reuse as fuel in thermal reactors (the light water reactors currently in use at the nuclear power plant) of plutonium collected in reprocessing of spent fuels from nuclear power plants, mixed with uranium.
Top of Page