TerraPower, JAEA and other collaborators sign memorandum of understanding on the development of sodium-cooled fast reactors

Many countries are focusing on nuclear power as a form of decarbonized energy in their steps towards the realization of carbon neutrality. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) is developing a demonstration reactor for a fourth-generation reactor, including a sodium-cooled fast reactor. The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (MHI), and Mitsubishi FBR Systems Inc. (MFBR) are in discussions with a U.S. company, TerraPower, which is developing a sodium-cooled fast reactor, "Natrium," in the ARDP. All the parties have signed a memorandum of understanding on sodium-cooled fast reactor technology. JAEA will continue to facilitate fast reactor development cooperation between Japan and the United States through cooperation with TerraPower and simultaneously maintain and improve the technological capabilities related to the development of fast reactors.

To use nuclear energy sustainably and stably as a form of decarbonized energy, it is necessary to reduce the volume and toxicity of radioactive waste and effectively utilize uranium resources, in addition to ensuring high safety and economic benefits. Generation IV nuclear power reactors, the next-generation nuclear reactor concept proposed by the DOE in 2000 with the aim of practical application in approximately 30 years, guarantees the efficient use of fuel and the minimization of nuclear waste. It is also a sustainable energy source as it ensures nuclear diffusion resistance, dramatic reduction of core damage frequency, and safety features such as eliminating the need for emergency response outside the site/improved reliability. Additionally, it has a higher economic efficiency compared to other energy sources. The sodium-cooled fast reactor is one of the most promising generation IV technologies.

The policy of Japan's Strategic Roadmap for Fast Reactor Development (established by the 2018 Inter-Ministerial Council for Nuclear Power) is "promoting competition between various technologies by facilitating innovations in the private sector" and "establishing basic technology for practical use and the promotion of innovation" through international cooperation between Japan and the United States, Japan and France, etc. Additionally, the Green Growth Strategy Through Achieving Carbon Neutrality in 2050 (2021) also has a policy of steadily promoting the development of fast reactors through international cooperation. On May 14, 2008, DOE initiated the ARDP to financially support the demonstration of advanced nuclear reactors in support of the nuclear industry in the United States. Thus, TerraPower's fast reactor concept "Natrium," a nuclear power development venture company chaired by Bill Gates, was selected as the support target of ARDP. To lead the global development of next-generation reactors, they aimed to start the operation of the demonstration sodium-cooled fast reactor in 2028 and started its development. "Natrium" is a technology of both TerraPower and Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy Ltd. Therefore, based on the policy of the Strategic Roadmap for Fast Reactor Development and the development status in the United States, and as the first step of cooperation between Japan and the United States on the development of sodium-cooled fast reactor technology, the organizations signed a memorandum of understanding on TerraPower's cooperation in the development of "Natrium."

TerraPower is paying attention to JAEA's know-how and test facilities related to fast reactors obtained through the "Joyo" and "Monju" JSFR design for the start of operation of "Natrium" and equipment design and manufacturing technology of Japanese companies. After exchanging information on the technologies owned by JAEA, MHI, MFBR, and TerraPower, the organizations agreed to proceed with discussions on the development of sodium-cooled fast reactors, including refueling machines and damaged fuel detection systems. They stated that, as a Japanese industry, they would utilize the knowledge of Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy Ltd., Toshiba Energy Systems, Fuji Electric Co., Ltd., etc., in the construction of "Joyo" and "Monju" and consider participation in the cooperative agreement.