Nuclear Energy Policy of Japan Hidehiro YOKOO Director General Electricity and Gas Industry Department Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry July 5, 2010
1. Overview: Why Nuclear Power? - Diversification of Energy Sources - Combat Climate Change - Economic Advantage 1
Diversification of Energy Sources of Japan After the Oil Crisis in the 1970s, Japan varied its power sources; from heavily relying on oil to shifting to other sources including nuclear energy. Change in Share of Power Sources Before the Oil Crisis (FY1973) Current (FY2008) 2
Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) in Japan Currently 54 units (30 BWR, 24 PWR) are operating and 2 units are under construction. 3
Combat Climate Change No CO2 emissions in the power generation process. Greenhouse gas emissions (CO2 equivalent) per power generated Less More V olum e of E m issions G reen house effect gas per U nit of E lectric P ow er by Coal combustion Oil combustion Natural gas combustion V arious P ow er S ources (convert C O 2 ) 608 742 975 CO2 reduction (example) Replacing an average thermal power plant with one 1,350 MW nuclear power plant can cut CO2 emissions by around 6 million tons a year. 6 million tons of CO2 is 0.5% of Japan s total CO2 emissions in 1990. Natural gas combined cycle 519 Solar 53 Wind 29 Nuclear Geothermal Hydroelectric 22~25 15 11 From combustion of fuel for electric power generation (direct) Other (indirect) Replacing with one nuclear power plant can cut Japan s total CO2 emissions by 0.5%. 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 Lifecycle volume of CO 2 emissions [g-co 2 /kwh (net supply)] Sources: Central Research Institute of the Electric Power Industry Avg. thermal power plant 1,350 MW nuclear plant 4
Economic Advantage Unit cost of nuclear power generation is lower than other sources. Source Unit Cost(yen/kWh) Because of its relatively low fuel cost, nuclear power generation is hardly affected by surge of resource prices. Comparison of Cost Composition by Electricity Source(Model Estimate) Hydroelectric Oil 8.2~13.3 yen 10.0~17.3 yen Hydro Oil Thermal Fuel Cost Capital Cost Operation and Maintenance Cost LNG 5.8~7.1 yen Gas Thermal Coal 5.0~6.5 yen Nuclear 4.8~6.2 yen Solar Wind 46 yen 10~14 yen * The range of unit cost is depending on capacity utilization of each power sources. * Cost of nuclear power includes costs for reprocessing and disposing of nuclear waste. Coal Thermal Nuclear 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Natural uranium Costs for reprocessing and disposing of nuclear waste, etc. Source: The ninth meeting of Panel on Costs, etc. of Subcommittee on Electricity Utility Industry of Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy estimated by Federation of Electric Power Companies (January 2004) Solar and Wind estimates; Report by New Energy Subcommittee of the Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy (June 2001) 5
2. Nuclear Energy Policy: Challenges we face. - Basic Energy Plan - Action Plan for Nuclear Energy Promotion 6
Basic Energy Plan (1) Japan adopted the new Basic Energy Plan at the Cabinet meeting on June 18, 2010, in accordance with the Basic Act on Energy Policy, setting force some energy targets envisaging the year 2030 and concrete measures to realize the targets. Basic viewpoints Strengthening comprehensive energy security, Strengthening global warming countermeasures, Realizing energy-centered economic growth, Ensuring safety, Ensuring efficiency through utilization of market functions, Reform of energy industry structure, Promoting better understanding by the public. 7
Basic Energy Plan (2) Targets toward 2030 Enhancing the independent energy ratio to approx. 70% by doubling energy self- sufficiency and the independent development ratio of fossil fuels s (currently 38%), Increasing the zero-emission emission power source ratio to approx. 70% (currently 34%), Reducing CO2 in the living (household sector) to half. TWh Breakdown of Power Sources 1200 1000 800 600 Zeroemission power source; currently 34% Zero-emission power source: approx. 70% about 20% about 50% 400 200 about 10% about 10% 2007 actual 2030 estimate 8
Efforts towards realizing the targets - Ensuring a stable supply source of energy. - Promoting nuclear power plants, Basic Energy Plan (3) Comprehensive efforts for strengthening the secure and stable supply of resources Realizing a self-sustained and environmentally harmonious energy supply structure - Expanding the introduction of renewable energy, - Advanced use of fossil fuel, - Strengthening supply systems of power and gas Realizing energy demand structure that enables low carbon growth - Industrial sector, - Household sector, business sector, - Transportation sector, - Cross-sectional sectional efforts. Realizing a new energy society Expanding development and diffusion of innovative energy technology Promoting international expansion in the energy and environment fields 9
Action Plan for Nuclear Energy Promotion (1) METI issued the Action Plan for Nuclear Energy Promotion on June 4th 2010, based on the deliberation and examination at the Nuclear Energy Subcommittee, Electrical Industry Committee, Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy. The elements of this Action Plan were reflected into the Energy Basic Plan (Cabinet decision on June 18, 2010). Direction to Go for Recognizing that nuclear energy is a low-co2 CO2-emission power source with outstanding supply stability and economic advantages, Japan steadily promotes s the use of nuclear energy as a core power source through: > Facilitating construction of new NPPs and replacement of existing NPPs, Goal: 9 units in operation by 2020, and at least 14 units in operation by 2030 > Improving the rate of capacity utilization, Goal: up to about 85% by 2020, and up to about 90% by 2030 Japan steadily promotes nuclear fuel cycle as a solid national strategy. s With a view to contributing to the stability of global energy supply, Japan promotes international cooperation in the field of nuclear energy. 10
Concrete Measures Action Plan for Nuclear Energy Promotion (2) 1. Basic measures to promote construction of new NPPs, replacement of the existing NPPs, and improvement of capacity utilization - Implement construction and replacement of NPPs together with plant aging management, - Improve capacity utilization by, for instance, realizing long-term cycle operation and sharing the best practice among the electric power companies, - Develop technology of the next-generation LWRs to meet a full scale demand for replacement construction in the future. 2. To enhance mutual understanding with local people in the NPP site areas and the public and to promote local community development - Promote mutual understanding with local communities for implementing construction and replacement of NPPs and for improving capacity utilization, - Strengthen mutual understanding with the citizen through detailed ed hearings and public relations activities in response to needs of the public, - Improve the systems of financial support for local communities. 3. To take measures for upgrading scientific and rational safety regulation - Take measures to improve scientific and rational safety regulation by making uses of the latest knowledge and data, - Deepen dialogue between the regulatory body and people interested ed with regard to safety regulation. 11
Action Plan for Nuclear Energy Promotion (3) Concrete Measures (continued) 4. To intensify measures for completing the nuclear fuel cycle and addressing the issues on final repository for high-level radioactive waste - Promote reprocessing and storing spent fuel and pluthermal, - Develop fast breeder reactor cycle technology, - Intensify measures to promote the project of high-level radioactive waste final repository. 5. To reinforce measures for securing uranium resources - Develop uranium mines, - Secure uranium enrichment, storage and transportation. 6. To take actions to promote international cooperation in the field of nuclear energy - Promote international cooperation in the nuclear industry, - Contribute to international activities to ensure non proliferation, ion, nuclear safety and security. 12
3. Strengths of Japan: What we can share. - Reliability - Safety - Seismic Resistance - Manufacturing Capability - Generation III+ Reactors 13
Strengths of Japan ~ Reliability Japan is proud of the high reliability of its NPPs, and the exceptionally low frequency of unplanned stoppage of operation and occurrence of critical trouble. Unplanned Automatic Scrams per 7000 hours UA7* *UA7 = Total unplanned automatic scrams while critical x 7000 Total number of hours critical Source:IAEA-PRIS (Power Reactor Information System) 14
Strengths of Japan ~ Safety During the period from 1991, the introduction of the International Nuclear Event Scale (INES), through 2008, approximately 100 cases of nuclear accidents or incidents from Level 2 to Level 7 have taken place in nuclear power plants all over the world. However, only one incident at a second level occurred in Japan. INES Level Actual Accident or Incident 7 Major Accident Chernobyl disaster (former Soviet Union) (1986) 6 Serious Accident Accident Level 5 Accident With Wider Consequences Windscale fire (United Kingdom) (1957) Three Mile Island accident (United States) (1979) 4 Accident With Local Consequences Saint-Laurent Nuclear Power Plant (France) (1980) Incident Level 3 Serious Incident Vandellos Nuclear Power Plant (Spain) (1989) 2 Incident Mihama Nuclear Power Plant II (Japan)(1991) The International Nuclear Event Scale (INES) is a means for promptly communicating to the public in consistent terms the safety significance of events reported at nuclear installations. It was designed jointly by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in 1991. 15
Strengths of Japan ~ Seismic Resistance In July 2007, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa NPP survived a strong earthquake exceeding the assumed strength of shock at the time of engineering. IAEA expert missions came to Japan and commended the safety assured even soon after the earthquake. Japan will utilize to establish the IAEA seismic qualification guideline based on feedback from its experience. Niigata-ken Chuetsu Earthquake in July 2007 Kashiwazaki-Kariwa NPP Time/Date: 10:13 AM, July 16, 2007 Scale: Magnitude 6.8 on the Richter scale Depth of the hypocenter: 17km Distance from the epicenter to Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Kariwa NPP : 16km Observed strong shock (680 gal): approx. 2.5 times stronger than assumed strength of shock at the time of engineering (273 gal) Source: http://coastal.nagaokaut.ac.jp/~jisin/chuetuoki/index.shtml Source: http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/feature/2007news10/j06.htm 16
Strengths of Japan ~ Manufacturing Capability During the 1980s, the global winter of nuclear energy, Japan continued to construct NPPs and highly acclaimed the ability of construction on schedule, on budget. In Japan, there are three major nuclear power suppliers holding highly advanced light water reactor (LWR) technology. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is the major supplier of Advanced Pressurized Water Reactor (APWR). Hitachi and Toshiba are the major suppliers of Advanced Boiled Water Reactor (ABWR). Materials or components suppliers also have strong manufacturing capability. Newly constructed NPPs all over the world Three Mile Island Incident in 1979 Chernobyl Incident in 1986 World Japan Nuclear Industry (plant manufacturers) 1980s 4 European firms Brown Boveri, Asea, Framatome, Siemens 3 Japanese firms (MHI, Hitachi, Toshiba) Going forward WH* (U.S. 4 U.S. firms (U.S. Japan) WH, GE, Combustion Engineering, Babcock & Wilcox AREVA MHI GE (France Toshiba Japan) Hitachi Japan) Atomenergoprom (Russia) Doosan (Korea) *: Westinghouse JSW (Japan Steel Works, Ltd.): Approx.80% (*) share of large forging for pressure vessels and steam generators in international market. (*JSW data) Example: Reactor Vessels 17
Strengths of Japan ~ Generation III+ Reactors There are several types of the so-called Generation III+ light water reactors (LWRs) around the world. Only ABWR model LWRs are actually built and under operation. Japanese nuclear suppliers (i.e., Hitachi, Toshiba, and MHI) are involved in manufacturing the following Generation III+ LWRs. Generation III+ Light Water Reactors 1000-1200 MW class 1300-1700 MW class BWR ABWR Size: 1350-1500 MW Features: Internal pump for recirculation U.S. design certificate: obtained Built: 4 units in Japan Planned: 2 units in Japan and 2 units in Taiwan being built; 7 units in Japan and 2 units in U.S. (Toshiba) planned ESBWR Size: 1550 MW Features Simple structure with natural circulation, fully passive design U.S. design certificate: pending Built: none Planned: 6 units in U.S. PWR ATMEA1 Size: 1000-1150 MW Features: Hybrid safety system, flexible operation U.S. design certificate: none Built: none Planned: none AP1000 Size: 1100-1200 MW Features: Passive safety system, compact reactor U.S. design certificate: obtained Built: none Planned: 14 units in U.S., 4 in China APWR Size: 1500 MW Features: Large scale; improved core U.S. design certificate: none Built: none Planned: 2 units in Japan EPR Size: 1600 MW Features: Maximum safety with existing technology; 4-way safety system, aircraft crash resistance, etc. U.S. DC: pending Built: none Planned: 1 each being built in Finland and France; 8 planned in U.S., 2 in China US-APWR Size: 1700 MW Features: Largescale APWR U.S. design certificate: pending Built: none Planned: 2 units in U.S. 18
4. Coexistence with NPPs: Direction to Go for. - Enhancing Public Acceptance - Communicating with the Public - Developing Local Communities - Using Thermal Effluent from NPPs 19
Visitors on the top of the nuclear reactor in Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Kariwa NPP Enhancing Public Acceptance People can go to the operating nuclear power plants and get to know their safety first hand. To enhance public acceptance to nuclear power plants, the electricity companies open their Nuclear Energy Promotion Center to the public. Top of the nuclear reactor Visitors to Hamaoka NPP Promotion Center 20
Communicating with the Public To enhance public awareness about nuclear energy policy, the government maintains open, timely and detailed communication through face-to-face meetings, conferences, and symposiums. To improve children s proper understanding of nuclear energy, the government creates and distributes educational materials. Briefing at Nuclear Environment/Safety Liaison Conference in Saga Prefecture Scene at Nuclear Fuel Cycle Symposium For elementary school students For junior high school students Production and Distribution of Supplementary readers Public relation article introducing discussion at the symposium 21
Developing Local Community There are resident areas near the nuclear power plants in Japan. It is possible for nuclear power plants to coexist with regional industry, such as tourism and fishery. The government provides financial support for sustainable development of the local communities by means of a source of revenue collected through imposition of special tax on electricity rates. Mihama NPP and Fishery Tomari NPP and marine sport Tokai NPP and the electricity company staff cleaning the beach The beach near Mihama NPP 22
Using Thermal Effluent from NPPs By making use of thermal effluent from nuclear power plants, there are fish nurseries or research institutes studying how to use warm water for agriculture and fishery. 6 months red sea bream fry of red sea bream 3 months Using warm water from NPP Shizuokaken Thermal Effluent Utilization Research Center 23
5. International Nuclear Energy Cooperation: With New Comers. - Potential Areas of Cooperation 24
Potential Areas of Nuclear Energy Cooperation Japan is actively cooperating with countries which are newly planning nuclear power development. Following are the major areas where Japan provides cooperative activities to new comers. Establishment of domestic structure, organization, and legislation necessary for ratification of nuclear-related related treaties, conventions and agreements. Establishment of nuclear power development program and regulatory system. Human Resources Development. Technical aspects, especially seismic issues, etc. Public acceptance and education. 25
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