Japan promotes nuke technology to APEC members with Monju reactor tour

+

TSURUGA, Japan, June 20 Kyodo -
Japan promoted its nuclear technology on Sunday to delegations from Vietnam and
Malaysia, who are visiting Fukui Prefecture for a meeting of regional
economies, by taking them to the Monju prototype fast-breeder nuclear reactor
in Tsuruga.
Referring to the reactor resuming operation in May after more than 14 years of
suspension due to an accident, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency chief Toshio
Okazaki said, ''With the resumption, we would like to show to the world the
outcome of our study on (the technology's) practical use at an early date.''
The excursion was organized by Japan a day after the 21-member Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation ministerial meeting ended. APEC members acknowledged that
nuclear power is an environmentally friendly energy source that should be
promoted. Japan is the chair of APEC this year.
Among the 20 participants of the tour were Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry
Minister Masayuki Naoshima and Do Huu Hao, Vietnamese deputy minister of
industry and trade, according to a Japanese industry ministry official.
Admitting that certain areas such as cost and efficiency need improvements in
order for the reactor to be used commercially, Naoshima told reporters later in
Tsuruga, ''It would take time, but I have expectations in the future.''
The Monju resumed operation on May 6 for the first time since an accidental
sodium leak in 1995.
A fast-breeder reactor can produce more nuclear fuel than it consumes, while
generating electricity. The technology is believed to have great significance
for resource-poor Japan if it can be put into practical use, currently eyed for
around 2050.
Fukui Prefecture on the coast of the Sea of Japan is known for having the
largest number of commercial nuclear reactors in Japan, with 13 currently in
operation.
==Kyodo