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Coordinates: 40°57′45″N 141°19′35″E / 40.96250°N 141.32639°E / 40.96250; 141.32639
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{{Short description|Nuclear reprocessing plant in Japan}}
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[[File:Rokkasho 2.JPG|right|Rokkasho 2.JPG|thumb|350px|Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant]]
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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Location map |Japan
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The {{nihongo|'''Rokkasho Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Facility'''|六ヶ所村核燃料再処理施設|Rokkasho Kakunenryō Saishori Shisetsu}} is a [[nuclear reprocessing]] plant with an annual capacity of 800 tons of [[uranium]] or 8 tons of [[plutonium]].<ref name=iaea10/> It is owned by [[Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited]] (JNFL) and is part of the Rokkasho complex located in the village of [[Rokkasho, Aomori|Rokkasho]] in northeast [[Aomori Prefecture]], on the Pacific coast of the northernmost part of Japan's main island of [[Honshu]].
The {{nihongo|'''Rokkasho Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Facility'''|六ヶ所村核燃料再処理施設|Rokkasho Kakunenryō Saishori Shisetsu}} is a [[nuclear reprocessing]] plant with an annual capacity of 800 tons of [[uranium]] or 8 tons of [[plutonium]].<ref name=iaea10/> It is owned by [[Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited]] (JNFL) and is part of the Rokkasho complex located in the village of [[Rokkasho, Aomori|Rokkasho]] in northeast [[Aomori Prefecture]], on the Pacific coast of the northernmost part of Japan's main island of [[Honshu]].


==History==
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Construction and testing of the facility were complete in 2013 according to JNFL, and the site was intended to begin operating in October 2013; however this was delayed by new safety regulations.<ref>[http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324582004578456943867189804.html Japan's Nuclear Plan Unsettles U.S.]</ref><ref>http://www.jnfl.co.jp/english/topics/131219-1.pdf</ref> In December 2013 JNFL announced the plant would be ready for operation in October 2014.<ref name=jt-20131220>{{cite news |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/12/20/national/work-on-rokkasho-fuel-reprocessing-plant-to-completed-by-october/ |title=Work on Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant to be 'completed' by October |newspaper=The Japan Times |date=20 December 2013 |accessdate=23 December 2013}}</ref>
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[[File:Rokkasho 2.JPG|thumb|upright=1.5|Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant]]
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In 2015, the start of the reprocessing plant was postponed again, this time to as late as September 2018.<ref name=JT15>http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/11/17/national/fuel-reprocessing-plant-northern-japan-delayed-2018/#.V6EMmSOLTZs</ref>
Construction of the plant began in 1993, and was originally expected to be completed in 1997, but the completion date has been postponed 23 times by 2017.<ref name=wnn-20171228/><ref name=nei-20171229>{{cite news |url=http://www.neimagazine.com/news/newsjapan-closes-ohi-12-and-monju-6014448 |title=Japan closes Ohi 1&2 and Monju |publisher=Nuclear Engineering International |date=29 December 2017 |access-date=29 December 2017}}</ref>

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Construction and testing of the facility were complete in 2013 according to JNFL, and the site was intended to begin operating in October 2013; however this was delayed by new safety regulations.<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887324582004578456943867189804 Japan's Nuclear Plan Unsettles U.S.]</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jnfl.co.jp/english/topics/131219-1.pdf |title=Response to the New Regulatory Requirements at the Rokkasho Nuclear Fuel Cycle Facilities |date=December 19, 2013 |website= Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited (JNFL)}}</ref> In December 2013 JNFL announced the plant would be ready for operation in October 2014.<ref name=jt-20131220>{{cite news |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2013/12/20/national/work-on-rokkasho-fuel-reprocessing-plant-to-completed-by-october/ |title=Work on Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant to be 'completed' by October |newspaper=The Japan Times |date=20 December 2013 |access-date=23 December 2013}}</ref>
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In 2015, the start of the reprocessing plant was postponed again, this time to as late as September 2018.<ref name=jt-20151117>{{cite news |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/11/17/national/fuel-reprocessing-plant-northern-japan-delayed-2018/ |title=Fuel reprocessing plant in northern Japan delayed again, to 2018 |last=Yamaguchi |first=Mari |work=The Japan Times|agency=Associated Press |date=17 November 2015 |access-date=29 December 2017}}</ref>

In December 2017, the completion date was put back a further three years, to 2021, to allow for further safety measures at the reprocessing plant and the [[MOX fuel]] fabrication plant to meet [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster|post-Fukushima]] safety standards.<ref name=wnn-20171228>{{cite news |url=http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WR-Further-delay-to-completion-of-Rokkasho-facilities-2812174.html |title=Further delay to completion of Rokkasho facilities |publisher=World Nuclear News |date=28 December 2017 |access-date=28 December 2017}}</ref>
The delays have caused many parts of the plant to deteriorate, and the closure of the unsuccessful [[fast breeder reactor]] at [[Monju Nuclear Power Plant|Monju]] in 2016 reduces the need for the policy of nuclear fuel reprocessing.<ref name=nei-20171229/> In August 2018 more corroded pipes were found.<ref name=nei-20180904>{{cite news |url=http://www.neimagazine.com/news/newsmore-problems-for-japans-rokkasho-reprocessing-plant-6732845 |title=More problems for Japan's Rokkasho reprocessing plant |publisher=Nuclear Engineering International |date=4 September 2018 |access-date=9 September 2018}}</ref>

In 2018 the [[Japanese Atomic Energy Commission]] updated plutonium guidelines to try to reduce plutonium stockpiles, stipulating that Rokkasho should only produce the amount of plutonium required for [[mixed oxide fuel]] for Japan's nuclear plants.<ref name=nei-20180802>{{cite news |url=http://www.neimagazine.com/news/newsjapan-revises-plutonium-guidelines-6284647 |title=Japan revises plutonium guidelines |publisher=Nuclear Engineering International |date=2 August 2018 |access-date=2 August 2018}}</ref><ref name=nyt-20180922>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/22/world/asia/japan-nuclear-weapon-recycle.html |title=Japan Has Enough Nuclear Material to Build an Arsenal. Its Plan: Recycle. |last=Rich |first=Motoko |newspaper=The New York Times |date=22 September 2018 |access-date=29 September 2018}}</ref>

In 2020 the completion date was put back again to 2022 for further safety measures including the construction of another cooling tower.<ref name=wnn-20200825>{{cite news |url=https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Japanese-reprocessing-plant-delayed-by-another-yea |title=Japanese reprocessing plant delayed by another year |publisher=World Nuclear News |date=25 August 2020 |access-date=25 August 2020}}</ref> The MOX fuel manufacturing plant is expected to be operational in 2024. As of 2023, JNFL claims an operational date of April–October 2024 <ref>{{cite web |author1=World Nuclear News |title=Rokkasho reprocessing plant completion delayed again |url=https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Rokkasho-reprocessing-plant-completion-delayed-aga |website=World Nuclear News |access-date=29 March 2024 |date=5 January 2023}}</ref>


== Description ==
== Description ==
The Rokkasho plant is the successor to a smaller reprocessing plant located in [[Tōkai, Ibaraki]] in central Japan, which ceased operation in 2007.
The Rokkasho plant is the successor to a smaller reprocessing plant that was located in [[Tōkai, Ibaraki]] in central Japan which shutdown in 2014 and was approved for decommissioning in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=Decommissioning plan for Tokai approved |url=https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Decommissioning-plan-for-Tokai-approved |website=World Nuclear News |access-date=29 March 2024}}</ref>


The Rokkasho facilities complex includes:
The Rokkasho facilities complex includes:
*A high level [[nuclear waste]] monitoring facility
*A high level [[nuclear waste]] monitoring facility
*A [[MOX fuel]] fabrication plant
*A [[MOX fuel]] fabrication plant
*A [[uranium enrichment]] plant<ref name=CNIC-2011>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnic.jp/english/newsletter/nit140/nit140articles/uranenrich.html |title=Uranium Enrichment Plant Turns into a Big Waste Dump |publisher=CNIC |date=January 2011 |id=NIT 140 |accessdate=3 April 2015}}</ref><ref name=enformable-20111229>{{cite news |url=http://enformable.com/2011/12/japan-upgrades-rokkasho-uranium-enrichment-facility-efficiency-400-to-500-percent/ |title=Japan upgrades Rokkasho Uranium Enrichment Facility efficiency 400 to 500 percent |newspaper=Enformable Nuclear News |date=29 December 2011 |accessdate=3 April 2015}}</ref>
*A [[uranium enrichment]] plant<ref name=CNIC-2011>{{cite web |url=http://www.cnic.jp/english/newsletter/nit140/nit140articles/uranenrich.html |title=Uranium Enrichment Plant Turns into a Big Waste Dump |publisher=CNIC |date=January 2011 |id=NIT 140 |access-date=3 April 2015}}</ref><ref name=enformable-20111229>{{cite news |url=http://enformable.com/2011/12/japan-upgrades-rokkasho-uranium-enrichment-facility-efficiency-400-to-500-percent/ |title=Japan upgrades Rokkasho Uranium Enrichment Facility efficiency 400 to 500 percent |newspaper=Enformable Nuclear News |date=29 December 2011 |access-date=3 April 2015}}</ref>
*A low level radioactive waste landfill
*A low level radioactive waste landfill
In 2010, the Rokkasho complex consisted of 38 buildings on an area of 3,800,000 m².<ref name=iaea10>{{cite web|last=Heinonen|first=Olli J.|title=Safeguards in action: IAEA at Rokkasho, Japan|url=http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/jrc/downloads/jrc_20100615_safeguards_heinonen.pdf|accessdate=13 March 2011|date=June 2010}}</ref>
In 2010, the Rokkasho complex consisted of 38 buildings on an area of 3,800,000 m<sup>2</sup>.<ref name=iaea10>{{cite web|last=Heinonen|first=Olli J.|title=Safeguards in action: IAEA at Rokkasho, Japan|url=http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/jrc/downloads/jrc_20100615_safeguards_heinonen.pdf|access-date=13 March 2011|date=June 2010}}</ref>


[[Vitrification]] tests completed in November 2007. This consists of pouring high level dry waste reside along with molten glass into steel canisters.<ref>World Nuclear News (WNN). [http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/wasteRecycling/Vitrification_line_tested_for_Japanese_waste_061107.shtml Vitrification line tested for Japanese waste]</ref>
[[Vitrification]] tests were completed in November 2007. This consists of pouring high level dry waste residue along with molten glass into steel canisters.<ref>World Nuclear News (WNN). [http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/wasteRecycling/Vitrification_line_tested_for_Japanese_waste_061107.shtml Vitrification line tested for Japanese waste]</ref>

As of 2018, over a third of Japan's 10 metric tons of domestically held [[plutonium]] is stored at Rokkasho.<ref name=nyt-20180922/>


==Economic aspects==
==Economic aspects==
Since 1993 there has been US$ 20 billion invested in the project, nearly triple the original cost estimate.<ref>[http://www.citizen.org/documents/AileenMiokoSmithPresentation.pdf The Failures of Japan's Nuclear Fuel Cycle Program - 1956–2007]</ref> A 2011 estimate put the cost at US$27.5 billion.<ref>Forbes, [http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2011/0425/technology-rokkasho-japan-electric-nuclear-disaster.html Japan's Other Nuclear Disaster], 4/6/2011.</ref>
Since 1993 there has been US$20 billion invested in the project, nearly triple the original cost estimate.<ref>[http://www.citizen.org/documents/AileenMiokoSmithPresentation.pdf The Failures of Japan's Nuclear Fuel Cycle Program – 1956–2007]</ref> A 2011 estimate put the cost at US$27.5 billion.<ref>Forbes, [https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2011/0425/technology-rokkasho-japan-electric-nuclear-disaster.html Japan's Other Nuclear Disaster], 4/6/2011.</ref>


==Protests==
==Protests==


In May 2006, an international awareness campaign about the dangers of the Rokkasho reprocessing plant, [[Stop Rokkasho]],<ref>[http://stop-rokkasho.org/ Stop Rokkasho]</ref> was launched by musician [[Ryuichi Sakamoto]]. [[Greenpeace]] has opposed the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant under a campaign called "Wings of Peace – No more Hiroshima Nagasaki",<ref>[http://www.greenpeace.or.jp/campaign/nuclear/hiroshima/slide/index_en_html Wings of Peace] – No more Hiroshima Nagasaki</ref> since 2002 and has launched a cyberaction<ref>http://www.greenpeace.or.jp/cyberaction/npt/index_en_html</ref> to stop the project. [[Consumers Union of Japan]] together with 596 organisations and groups participated in a parade on 27 January 2008 in central Tokyo against the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant.<ref>[http://www.nishoren.org/en/?p=35 Rokkasho: Nobody talks, Nothing changes « Consumers Union of Japan<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Over 810,000 signatures were collected and handed in to the government on 28 January 2008. Representatives of the protesters, which include fishery associations, consumer cooperatives and surfer groups, handed the petition to the Cabinet Office and the [[Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry]].
In May 2006, an international awareness campaign about the dangers of the Rokkasho reprocessing plant called "Stop Rokkasho"<ref>[http://stop-rokkasho.org/ Stop Rokkasho]</ref> was launched by musician [[Ryuichi Sakamoto]]. [[Greenpeace|Greenpeace Japan]] opposed the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant and ran an online campaign to stop the project called "Wings of Peace – No more Hiroshima Nagasaki" from 2002 until 2005.<ref>[http://www.greenpeace.or.jp/campaign/nuclear/hiroshima/slide/index_en_html Wings of Peace] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722121200/http://www.greenpeace.or.jp/campaign/nuclear/hiroshima/slide/index_en_html |date=22 July 2011 }} – No more Hiroshima Nagasaki</ref> The [[Consumers Union of Japan]] together with 596 organisations and groups participated in a march against the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant in central Tokyo on 27 January 2008.<ref>[http://www.nishoren.org/en/?p=35 Rokkasho: Nobody talks, Nothing changes « Consumers Union of Japan<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Over 810,000 signatures were collected and handed in to the government on 28 January 2008. Representatives of the protesters, which included fishery associations, consumer cooperatives and surfer groups, handed the petition to the Cabinet Office and the [[Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry]].


Seven consumer organisations have joined in this effort: [[Consumers Union of Japan]], Seikatsu Club Consumer's Co-operative Union, Daichi-o-Mamoru Kai, Green Consumer's Co-operative Union, Consumer's Co-operative Union "Kirari", Consumer's Co-operative Miyagi and Pal-system Co-operative Union.
Seven consumer organisations have joined in this effort: [[Consumers Union of Japan]], Seikatsu Club Consumer's Co-operative Union, Daichi-o-Mamoru Kai, Green Consumer's Co-operative Union, Consumer's Co-operative Union "Kirari", Consumer's Co-operative Miyagi and Pal-system Co-operative Union.


According to ''[[The Japan Times]]'', "Experts including [[Frank von Hippel]], a [[Princeton University]] theoretical physicist, have urged Japan to stop spent fuel reprocessing."<ref name=jt-20151117/> The fundamental objection to reprocessing—the separation of plutonium from spent power reactor fuel—is that the plutonium could be used in nuclear weapons. The plant in Rokkasho aims to be able to separate several tons of plutonium per year where a nuclear weapon requires only several kilograms. To mitigate this risk the plant uses a combined uranium plutonium extraction process where plutonium cannot be recovered by itself.<ref name="jnfl-reprocessing">{{cite web |title=Reprocessing |url=https://www.jnfl.co.jp/en/business/reprocessing/ |website=Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited |access-date=29 March 2024}}</ref>
'Experts including [[Frank von Hippel]], a [[Princeton University]] theoretical physicist, have urged Japan to stop spent fuel reprocessing.', reported ''[[The Japan Times]].''<ref name=JT15/>


==2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami==
==2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami==
In June 2008, several scientists stated that the Rokkasho plant is sited directly above an active geological [[fault line]] that could produce a magnitude 8 earthquake. But Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited stated that there was no reason to fear an earthquake of more than magnitude 6.5 at the site, and that the plant could withstand a 6.9 quake.<ref>[http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080604/full/453704a.html Japanese nuclear plant in quake risk] Nature.com, 2008</ref><ref>[http://upiasiaonline.com/Security/2008/06/12/japans_nuclear_facilities_face_quake_risk/3945/ Japan's nuclear facilities face quake risk]</ref>
In June 2008, several scientists stated that the Rokkasho plant is situated directly above an active geological [[fault line]] that could produce a magnitude 8 earthquake but Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited stated that according to their investigation the fault had not been active in the last million years and there was no reason to fear an earthquake of more than magnitude 6.5 at the site and that the plant could withstand a 6.9 quake. Other scientists say that more study is needed.<ref>[http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080604/full/453704a.html Japanese nuclear plant in quake risk] Nature.com, 2008</ref><ref>[http://upiasiaonline.com/Security/2008/06/12/japans_nuclear_facilities_face_quake_risk/3945/ Japan's nuclear facilities face quake risk]</ref>


After the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|Tōhoku earthquake]] (magnitude 9,1) in March 2011, the plant ran on emergency power provided by backup diesel generators.<ref>{{cite web|last=Biello|first=David|title=How to Cool a Nuclear Reactor|url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-to-cool-a-nuclear-reactor|work=Scientific American online|date=11 March 2011|accessdate=13 March 2011}}</ref> The emergency generators were not intended for long-term use.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schneider|first=Mycle|title=Nuklearanlagen droht nach Erdbeben Überhitzung (German language)|url=http://www.focus.de/panorama/welt/tsunami-in-japan/tsunami-japan-nuklearanlagen-droht-nach-erdbeben-ueberhitzung_aid_607714.html|work=Focus online|date=11 March 2011|accessdate=16 March 2011}}</ref> Reportedly there are about 3,000 tons of highly radioactive used [[nuclear fuel]] stored in Rokkasho at current, that could overheat and catch fire if the cooling systems fail. Japanese radio reported on 13 March that 600 liters of water leaked at the Rokkasho spent fuel pool.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Aileen|title=Breaking News—Japan Nuclear Power Plant Accidents and Earthquake|url=http://www.greenaction-japan.org/modules/wordpress1/index.php?p=2|work=Green Action Blog|date=13 March 2011|accessdate=13 March 2011}}</ref> According to ''[[The New York Times]]'', grid power was restored on 14 March 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/18/world/asia/18spent.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2&src=twrhp |title=Greater Danger Lies in Spent Fuel Than in Reactors |first=KEITH |last=BRADSHER |first2=HIROKO | last2=TABUCHI |work=The New York Times |date=17 March 2011 |issn=0362-4331 |quote=Grid power was restored on Monday, the company said. |accessdate=19 March 2011}}</ref>
After the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|Tōhoku earthquake]] (magnitude 9.1) on 11 March 2011, the plant ran on emergency power provided by backup diesel generators.<ref>{{cite web|last=Biello|first=David|title=How to Cool a Nuclear Reactor|url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-to-cool-a-nuclear-reactor|work=Scientific American online|date=11 March 2011|access-date=13 March 2011}}</ref> The emergency generators were not intended for long-term use.<ref>{{cite web|last=Schneider|first=Mycle|title=Nuklearanlagen droht nach Erdbeben Überhitzung (German language)|url=http://www.focus.de/panorama/welt/tsunami-in-japan/tsunami-japan-nuklearanlagen-droht-nach-erdbeben-ueberhitzung_aid_607714.html|work=Focus online|date=11 March 2011|access-date=16 March 2011}}</ref> There were about 3,000 tons of highly radioactive used [[nuclear fuel]] stored in Rokkasho at that time. Japanese radio reported on 13 March that 600 liters of water had leaked from the Rokkasho spent fuel pool.<ref>{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Aileen|title=Breaking News—Japan Nuclear Power Plant Accidents and Earthquake|url=http://www.greenaction-japan.org/modules/wordpress1/index.php?p=2|work=Green Action Blog|date=13 March 2011|access-date=13 March 2011}}</ref> According to ''[[The New York Times]]'', grid power was restored 3 days later on 14 March 2011.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/18/world/asia/18spent.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2&src=twrhp |title=Greater Danger Lies in Spent Fuel Than in Reactors |first1=Keith |last1=Bradsher |first2=Hiroko | last2=Tabuchi |author-link=Hiroko Tabuchi |work=The New York Times |date=17 March 2011 |issn=0362-4331 |quote=Grid power was restored on Monday, the company said. |access-date=19 March 2011}}</ref>


The 7 April aftershock caused the loss of grid power again until the next day.<ref>[http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/2011/fukushima070411.html Fukushima Nuclear Accident Update Log], [[IAEA]], 7 April 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/2011/fukushima070411.html Fukushima Nuclear Accident Update Log], [[IAEA]], 8 April 2011</ref>
The 7 April aftershock caused the loss of grid power again until the next day.<ref>[http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/2011/fukushima070411.html Fukushima Nuclear Accident Update Log], [[IAEA]], 7 April 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/2011/fukushima070411.html Fukushima Nuclear Accident Update Log], [[IAEA]], 8 April 2011</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Stop Rokkasho]] – Opposition group
*''[[Rokkasho Rhapsody]]'' – A documentary by [[Hitomi Kamanaka]] on the plant
*''[[Rokkasho Rhapsody]]'' – A documentary by [[Hitomi Kamanaka]] on the plant
* [[Nuclear reprocessing]]; other reprocessing sites:
*Other Reprocessing Sites:
**[[COGEMA La Hague site]]
**[[COGEMA La Hague site]]
**[[Thorp nuclear fuel reprocessing plant]]
**[[Thorp nuclear fuel reprocessing plant]]
*[[5 yen coin#Modern five yen (1948-)|5 yen coin]]
*[[2011 Japanese nuclear accidents]]
* [[Tōkai Nuclear Power Plant]], whose reprocessing facility Rokkasho was meant to succeed to
*[[Lists of nuclear disasters and radioactive incidents]]


==References==
==References==
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*R. Ludwig et al.: [http://esarda2.jrc.it/bulletin/bulletin_44/B_2010_044_10.pdf Quality Control in the OSL Rokkasho: Status after Four Years of Operation] ESARDA Bulletin, No. 44, June 2010
*R. Ludwig et al.: [http://esarda2.jrc.it/bulletin/bulletin_44/B_2010_044_10.pdf Quality Control in the OSL Rokkasho: Status after Four Years of Operation] ESARDA Bulletin, No. 44, June 2010
*CNIC Citizens' Nuclear Information Center: Rokkasho and Japan's Nuclear Fuel Cycle Policy http://www.cnic.jp/english/topics/cycle/rokkasho/index.html
*CNIC Citizens' Nuclear Information Center: Rokkasho and Japan's Nuclear Fuel Cycle Policy http://www.cnic.jp/english/topics/cycle/rokkasho/index.html



{{Japan Nuclear Plants}}
{{Japan Nuclear Plants}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2012}}


[[Category:Nuclear reprocessing sites]]
[[Category:Nuclear reprocessing sites]]
[[Category:Nuclear energy in Japan]]
[[Category:Nuclear power in Japan]]
[[Category:Nuclear technology in Japan]]
[[Category:Nuclear technology in Japan]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Aomori Prefecture]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Aomori Prefecture]]

Latest revision as of 00:05, 29 July 2024

Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant is located in Japan
Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant
Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant
Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant (Japan)

The Rokkasho Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Facility (六ヶ所村核燃料再処理施設, Rokkasho Kakunenryō Saishori Shisetsu) is a nuclear reprocessing plant with an annual capacity of 800 tons of uranium or 8 tons of plutonium.[1] It is owned by Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited (JNFL) and is part of the Rokkasho complex located in the village of Rokkasho in northeast Aomori Prefecture, on the Pacific coast of the northernmost part of Japan's main island of Honshu.

History

[edit]
Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant

Construction of the plant began in 1993, and was originally expected to be completed in 1997, but the completion date has been postponed 23 times by 2017.[2][3]

Construction and testing of the facility were complete in 2013 according to JNFL, and the site was intended to begin operating in October 2013; however this was delayed by new safety regulations.[4][5] In December 2013 JNFL announced the plant would be ready for operation in October 2014.[6] In 2015, the start of the reprocessing plant was postponed again, this time to as late as September 2018.[7]

In December 2017, the completion date was put back a further three years, to 2021, to allow for further safety measures at the reprocessing plant and the MOX fuel fabrication plant to meet post-Fukushima safety standards.[2] The delays have caused many parts of the plant to deteriorate, and the closure of the unsuccessful fast breeder reactor at Monju in 2016 reduces the need for the policy of nuclear fuel reprocessing.[3] In August 2018 more corroded pipes were found.[8]

In 2018 the Japanese Atomic Energy Commission updated plutonium guidelines to try to reduce plutonium stockpiles, stipulating that Rokkasho should only produce the amount of plutonium required for mixed oxide fuel for Japan's nuclear plants.[9][10]

In 2020 the completion date was put back again to 2022 for further safety measures including the construction of another cooling tower.[11] The MOX fuel manufacturing plant is expected to be operational in 2024. As of 2023, JNFL claims an operational date of April–October 2024 [12]

Description

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The Rokkasho plant is the successor to a smaller reprocessing plant that was located in Tōkai, Ibaraki in central Japan which shutdown in 2014 and was approved for decommissioning in 2018.[13]

The Rokkasho facilities complex includes:

In 2010, the Rokkasho complex consisted of 38 buildings on an area of 3,800,000 m2.[1]

Vitrification tests were completed in November 2007. This consists of pouring high level dry waste residue along with molten glass into steel canisters.[16]

As of 2018, over a third of Japan's 10 metric tons of domestically held plutonium is stored at Rokkasho.[10]

Economic aspects

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Since 1993 there has been US$20 billion invested in the project, nearly triple the original cost estimate.[17] A 2011 estimate put the cost at US$27.5 billion.[18]

Protests

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In May 2006, an international awareness campaign about the dangers of the Rokkasho reprocessing plant called "Stop Rokkasho"[19] was launched by musician Ryuichi Sakamoto. Greenpeace Japan opposed the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant and ran an online campaign to stop the project called "Wings of Peace – No more Hiroshima Nagasaki" from 2002 until 2005.[20] The Consumers Union of Japan together with 596 organisations and groups participated in a march against the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant in central Tokyo on 27 January 2008.[21] Over 810,000 signatures were collected and handed in to the government on 28 January 2008. Representatives of the protesters, which included fishery associations, consumer cooperatives and surfer groups, handed the petition to the Cabinet Office and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Seven consumer organisations have joined in this effort: Consumers Union of Japan, Seikatsu Club Consumer's Co-operative Union, Daichi-o-Mamoru Kai, Green Consumer's Co-operative Union, Consumer's Co-operative Union "Kirari", Consumer's Co-operative Miyagi and Pal-system Co-operative Union.

According to The Japan Times, "Experts including Frank von Hippel, a Princeton University theoretical physicist, have urged Japan to stop spent fuel reprocessing."[7] The fundamental objection to reprocessing—the separation of plutonium from spent power reactor fuel—is that the plutonium could be used in nuclear weapons. The plant in Rokkasho aims to be able to separate several tons of plutonium per year where a nuclear weapon requires only several kilograms. To mitigate this risk the plant uses a combined uranium plutonium extraction process where plutonium cannot be recovered by itself.[22]

2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami

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In June 2008, several scientists stated that the Rokkasho plant is situated directly above an active geological fault line that could produce a magnitude 8 earthquake but Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited stated that according to their investigation the fault had not been active in the last million years and there was no reason to fear an earthquake of more than magnitude 6.5 at the site and that the plant could withstand a 6.9 quake. Other scientists say that more study is needed.[23][24]

After the Tōhoku earthquake (magnitude 9.1) on 11 March 2011, the plant ran on emergency power provided by backup diesel generators.[25] The emergency generators were not intended for long-term use.[26] There were about 3,000 tons of highly radioactive used nuclear fuel stored in Rokkasho at that time. Japanese radio reported on 13 March that 600 liters of water had leaked from the Rokkasho spent fuel pool.[27] According to The New York Times, grid power was restored 3 days later on 14 March 2011.[28]

The 7 April aftershock caused the loss of grid power again until the next day.[29][30]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Heinonen, Olli J. (June 2010). "Safeguards in action: IAEA at Rokkasho, Japan" (PDF). Retrieved 13 March 2011.
  2. ^ a b "Further delay to completion of Rokkasho facilities". World Nuclear News. 28 December 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  3. ^ a b "Japan closes Ohi 1&2 and Monju". Nuclear Engineering International. 29 December 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  4. ^ Japan's Nuclear Plan Unsettles U.S.
  5. ^ "Response to the New Regulatory Requirements at the Rokkasho Nuclear Fuel Cycle Facilities" (PDF). Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited (JNFL). 19 December 2013.
  6. ^ "Work on Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant to be 'completed' by October". The Japan Times. 20 December 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
  7. ^ a b Yamaguchi, Mari (17 November 2015). "Fuel reprocessing plant in northern Japan delayed again, to 2018". The Japan Times. Associated Press. Retrieved 29 December 2017.
  8. ^ "More problems for Japan's Rokkasho reprocessing plant". Nuclear Engineering International. 4 September 2018. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  9. ^ "Japan revises plutonium guidelines". Nuclear Engineering International. 2 August 2018. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  10. ^ a b Rich, Motoko (22 September 2018). "Japan Has Enough Nuclear Material to Build an Arsenal. Its Plan: Recycle". The New York Times. Retrieved 29 September 2018.
  11. ^ "Japanese reprocessing plant delayed by another year". World Nuclear News. 25 August 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
  12. ^ World Nuclear News (5 January 2023). "Rokkasho reprocessing plant completion delayed again". World Nuclear News. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  13. ^ "Decommissioning plan for Tokai approved". World Nuclear News. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  14. ^ "Uranium Enrichment Plant Turns into a Big Waste Dump". CNIC. January 2011. NIT 140. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
  15. ^ "Japan upgrades Rokkasho Uranium Enrichment Facility efficiency 400 to 500 percent". Enformable Nuclear News. 29 December 2011. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
  16. ^ World Nuclear News (WNN). Vitrification line tested for Japanese waste
  17. ^ The Failures of Japan's Nuclear Fuel Cycle Program – 1956–2007
  18. ^ Forbes, Japan's Other Nuclear Disaster, 4/6/2011.
  19. ^ Stop Rokkasho
  20. ^ Wings of Peace Archived 22 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine – No more Hiroshima Nagasaki
  21. ^ Rokkasho: Nobody talks, Nothing changes « Consumers Union of Japan
  22. ^ "Reprocessing". Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited. Retrieved 29 March 2024.
  23. ^ Japanese nuclear plant in quake risk Nature.com, 2008
  24. ^ Japan's nuclear facilities face quake risk
  25. ^ Biello, David (11 March 2011). "How to Cool a Nuclear Reactor". Scientific American online. Retrieved 13 March 2011.
  26. ^ Schneider, Mycle (11 March 2011). "Nuklearanlagen droht nach Erdbeben Überhitzung (German language)". Focus online. Retrieved 16 March 2011.
  27. ^ Smith, Aileen (13 March 2011). "Breaking News—Japan Nuclear Power Plant Accidents and Earthquake". Green Action Blog. Retrieved 13 March 2011.
  28. ^ Bradsher, Keith; Tabuchi, Hiroko (17 March 2011). "Greater Danger Lies in Spent Fuel Than in Reactors". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 19 March 2011. Grid power was restored on Monday, the company said.
  29. ^ Fukushima Nuclear Accident Update Log, IAEA, 7 April 2011
  30. ^ Fukushima Nuclear Accident Update Log, IAEA, 8 April 2011

Further reading

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40°57′45″N 141°19′35″E / 40.96250°N 141.32639°E / 40.96250; 141.32639

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