Current Issues and Challenges

Mr. Makoto Satake, Director of the Board and Deputy Executive General Manager, Nuclear Power Division, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), was interviewed regarding his views on a series of questions related to the future of nuclear power plant construction and operation in Japan. Regarding nuclear power plant economics, he discusses what improvements should be made in the construction cost reduction area and in operation and maintenance costs to make costs more viable. Regarding public relations, he stated that regaining public trust is the most important today. Information disclosure to the public and two-way communication activities (direct discussions, public hearings, etc.) are being expanded. To improve economic competitiveness, two points are important: electric power generating cost reduction through stable operation and a legal framework that eliminates uncertainty by collecting funds to promote plutonium recycling and back-end costs. In the construction of a new plant, the coexistence of quality assurance and a shortened construction period are essential. It is necessary to decide on the design and on the construction process as early as possible. In Japan, 3D-computer aided design is used as the key technology for efficient construction. Moreover, in order to improve project management abilities, computer software aimed at process controlmore » and design information management has been developed using past construction experiences. The software will be applied to the next construction project. He cited the reasons why government support is essential for new plant construction, and in what ways existing nuclear power plants in Japan have improved in the last five years. As far as the best available technology for constructing plants, he recommended the large-block construction method and the all-weather construction method as effective construction technologies. The advanced boiling water reactor is best suited for plant construction in the future. Regarding human resources for the future, he noted the use of digital databases with several components, a Systematic Approach to Training method for reactor operators and other plant personnel, and the use of retired professionals to enhance technical skills and troubleshoot problems in advance.« less