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Japan-U.S.-based cooperation on sodium-cooled fast reactor technology that will contribute to carbon neutrality efforts -- Expand of MOU between TerraPower --
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October 31, 2023 -Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Mitsubishi FBR Systems (MFBR), and TerraPower have expanded their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development of sodium-cooled fast reactor (SFR) technologies to involve both side demonstration programs, considering initiation of Japanese fast reactor (FR) demonstration program in 2024.
In January 2022, TerraPower, JAEA and MHI signed a MOU to collaborate on SFR technology development. In December 2022, the Japanese government revised their Strategic Roadmap for FR development, clarifying that Japan will begin FR concept design in 2024. The government in July 2023 selected a 650MW pool-type SFR concept proposed by MFBR as the design to be developed, and MHI as the main manufacturer and constructor. TerraPower is interested in the larger concept to enhance cost competitiveness.
This expanded MOU will allow TerraPower and Japan to explore the opportunity including collaboration on a common concept based on the Japanese FR demonstration program. This MOU has been revised to include an increase in size of the design for enhanced cost competitiveness, and metal fuel safety.
JAEA president Masanori Koguchi said, "JAEA will play a role as one of organizations in the strategic roadmap for fast reactor development. For effective development, we believe that international cooperation is one of key issues. We will promote Japan – US collaboration on FR development through this expanded MOU."
[quote from TerraPower]
TerraPower is currently developing the 345-MW Natrium™ reactor in the United States, with the support of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP). The first Natrium plant will begin commercial operations in 2030.
"We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with JAEA as Japan works to bring advanced nuclear reactors to market," said TerraPower President and CEO Chris Levesque. "In order to achieve our climate goals, countries across the world are going to need to deploy advanced reactors starting in the 2030's, and this agreement will help us evaluate the design opportunities for large-scale Natrium plants that can support Japan's carbon targets."
[quote from MHI]
MHI executive vice president Akihiko Kato said, "MHI group, as the core company in charge of design and development of the Japanese demonstration fast reactor, will steadily proceed in accordance with the strategic roadmap. We would like to contribute to fast reactor development cooperation between the US and Japan by utilizing the technology and experience we have cultivated over many years."
[supplement]
To achieve sustainable use of nuclear energy, we need to develop the generation IV nuclear energy systems that ensure safety, enhanced cost competitiveness, reduced amount and toxicity of high-level radioactive waste, and efficient use of uranium resources. An SFR is one of the most promising technologies.
The Roadmap clarifies FR's contribution to carbon neutrality by 2050 and states that we need to narrow down the designs by 2030 and ideally start the operation of the demonstration reactor by 2050. It also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation as well as Japan's innovative reactor development independent from situations around the world.
The U.S. DOE in May 2020 launched the ARDP program and awarded TerraPower (Founder and Chairman of the Board, Bill Gates). TerraPower, which has begun the development of the Natrium reactor, and JAEA, MHI, and MFBR in January 2022 signed the MOU to accelerate the development of SFR-specific technologies such as a fuel handling machine and a failed-fuel detection system.
This revision of the MOU reflects the current status of the Natrium development and the revised Roadmap and adds cooperation on Japan's FR development. The details include the following.
- Study of system designs for SFRs larger than the current Natrium reactor
- Information exchange on severe accidents in metal fueled reactor
- Natrium licensing strategy
Through these, we will contribute to the future of clean energy.
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.