Japan Nuclear Fuel Company Says It Will Propose New Schedule for Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant as Soon as Possible

Naohiro Masuda, President of Japan Nuclear Fuel Company (JNFL), stated at a regular press conference on July 29 that the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in Rokkasho Village, Aomori Prefecture, may be difficult to complete within the current fiscal year. The company will propose a new overall schedule as soon as possible after continuing consultations with regulatory authorities on the treatment of liquid waste within the facility.

Masuda said that earlier this month, when an official from the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry met with Aomori Governor Soichiro Miyashita, Miyashita had informed the official that completing construction of the reprocessing plant within the current fiscal year would be challenging. Masuda stated that the company needs to make every effort to avoid the risk of schedule delays becoming a reality, and will manage the project construction progress from multiple aspects, while clarifying the next steps.

Regarding the subsequent steps for completion, Masuda said the company is currently discussing with regulatory authorities how to handle the liquid waste containing high concentrations of radioactive materials left in equipment during previous trial operations. He stated that until certain progress is made in these discussions, the specific process cannot be disclosed, but the company believes it is necessary to explain the subsequent arrangements as soon as possible and will accelerate related work.

According to an explanation released by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) on the 28th, the company has canceled its plan to transport spent nuclear fuel to the interim storage facility in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture, originally scheduled for September this year. TEPCO stated that it apologizes for the inconvenience caused to relevant parties due to the lack of clarity in the overall plan, and said it will continue to work to ensure Japan's energy security, with nuclear power as an important component.