Hostname: page-component-848d4c4894-xm8r8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-06-30T23:00:53.291Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The JNC Generic URL Research Program - Providing a Knowledge Base to Support both Implementer and Regulator in Japan

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 March 2011

Hiroyuki Umeki ,
Kazuhiko Shimizu ,
Toshihiro Seo ,
Akira Kitamura  and
Hirohisa Ishikawa
Hiroyuki Umeki
Affiliation:
Nuclear Cycle Backend Division, Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute, 4-49, Muramatsu, Tokai-mura, Naka, Ibaraki, 319-1184, Japan
Kazuhiko Shimizu
Affiliation:
Nuclear Cycle Backend Division, Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute, 4-49, Muramatsu, Tokai-mura, Naka, Ibaraki, 319-1184, Japan
Toshihiro Seo
Affiliation:
Nuclear Cycle Backend Division, Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute, 4-49, Muramatsu, Tokai-mura, Naka, Ibaraki, 319-1184, Japan
Akira Kitamura
Affiliation:
Nuclear Cycle Backend Division, Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute, 4-49, Muramatsu, Tokai-mura, Naka, Ibaraki, 319-1184, Japan
Hirohisa Ishikawa
Affiliation:
Nuclear Cycle Backend Division, Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute, 4-49, Muramatsu, Tokai-mura, Naka, Ibaraki, 319-1184, Japan
Get access

Abstract

In accordance with the R&D framework specified by the Atomic Energy Commission of Japan in 2000 for the implementing phase of HLW disposal, the Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute (JNC) continues to be responsible for R&D activities aimed at enhancing the reliability of disposal technologies and safety assessment methodologies and associated databases. JNC has thus been actively promoting technical R&D with a view to contributing to both the implementation of disposal and the formulation of safety regulations.

One of JNC's key roles is to establish and demonstrate site characterization methodologies based on investigations in two purpose-built generic URL (underground research laboratory) projects: one at Mizunami in crystalline rock and the other at Horonobe in sedimentary rock.

Through the surface-based investigations in the Mizunami and Horonobe projects (phase 1), integration of work from different disciplines into a “geosynthesis” has been illustrated and is planned to be developed further in the underground facilities at these sites (phases 2 and 3). These projects also serve for developing and testing the tools and methodologies required for site characterization. Further know-how will be gained through participation in foreign underground laboratory projects, transfer of experience from these projects to Japan and tailoring it to Japanese conditions and requirements.

This experience represents an important knowledge base, which is obviously important for the implementer but is also needed by the regulator, in order to assess how key site characteristics are derived and what uncertainties are associated with this process.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 932: Symposium – Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management XXIX , 2006 , 123.1
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2006

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

1. PNC, Research and Development on Geological Disposal of High-level Radioactive Waste, First Progress Report - H3, PNC TN1410 93-059, Tokyo, Japan (1992).Google Scholar
2. JNC, H12: Project to Establish the Scientific and Technical Basis for HLW Disposal in Japan, Project Overview Report, Second Progress Report on Research and Development for the Geological Disposal of HLW in Japan, JNC TN1410 2000-001 (2000).Google Scholar
3. MITI, Basic Policy for Specified Radioactive Waste, Ministry of International Trade and Industry, MITI's Notification No.591 (2000a) (in Japanese).Google Scholar
4. MITI, Final Disposal Plan for Specified Radioactive Waste, Ministry of International Trade and Industry, MITI's Notification No.592 (2000b) (in Japanese).Google Scholar
5. NUMO, Evaluating Site Suitability for a HLW Repository: Scientific Background and Practical Application of NUMO's Siting Factors, NUMO-TR-04-04 (2004).Google Scholar
6. NUMO, Repository Concepts for Volunteer Siting Environments, NUMO-TR-04-03 (2004).Google Scholar
7. NSC, The Basis for Safety Standards of HLW Disposal, First Report (2000) (in Japanese).Google Scholar
8. NSC, Requirements on the Geological Environment in the Selection of Preliminary Investigation Areas for High-level Radioactive Waste Disposal (2002) (in Japanese).Google Scholar
9. AEC, Long-Term Program for Development and Utilization of Nuclear Energy (2000).Google Scholar
10. JNC, H17: Development and management of the technical knowledge base for the geological disposal of HLW, Knowledge Management Report, JNC TN1400 2005-022 (2005).Google Scholar
11. Takeda, S., Proc. Int. Conf. JNC Underground Research Laboratory Projects in Mzunami and Horonobe, Part 1: ICGM'04, JNC TN7400 2004-010, Mizunami, 2004 (2004).Google Scholar
12. Uchida, M., Makino, H., Wakasugi, K. and Shibata, K., Proc. 1st workshop on building confidence using multiple lines of evidence, OECD/NEA AMIGO Project (2004).Google Scholar
13. Kitayama, K., Umeki, H., Ueda, H., McKinley, I. G. and Kaku, K., Proc. 10th Int. Conf. Environmental and Radioactive Waste Management, ICEM'05, Glasgow, Scotland. (2005).Google Scholar