This time it is true. More or less true, anyway.
The Japan Atomic Energy Commission's (AEC) Long Term Nuclear Program at its Monday, November 1st meeting 'agreed' to go with the reprocessing option for spent fuel produced by Japan's nuclear power plants. Essentially, all it means is that they will proceed with the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant, built at a cost of more than 2-trillion yen (U.S.$20-billion).
The so-called 'agreement' remains very vague, both in content and process. The process essentially amounted to going around the table and hearing everyone's opinion, then the chairperson announcing that the future direction had been set. There is nothing so clear as a vote. This might be hard to believe for European and North American people, but perhaps our Asian friends will not be so surprised.
In regard to content, all they have really decided is to go ahead and commence operations at the Rokkasho Plant. As for how long they will continue, that is left vague. For example, the question of whether they will build a second plant to cope with the full amount of spent fuel is not addressed.
Unfortunately, the only clear voice of opposition was CNIC's own Hideyuki Ban. There were others who didn't clearly endorse this option, but the overwhelming majority of the hand-picked pro-nuclear members of the committee did as expected and went for the government's existing policy.
It is now likely that Aomori Prefecture will sign a so-called 'safety agreement' for the Rokkasho plant, allowing Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited to proceed with trials using depleted uranium. Once that happens the plant will be contaminated with radiation. As far as we know, the Aomori Governor has made no announcement about the matter and a demonstration against the plant will be held in Aomori this Saturday. If, however, approval is given, it is expected that these uranium trials will begin in late November or in December. The plant is scheduled to commence commercial operations in 2006.
Philip White
International Liaison Officer
