Fast breeders have been a part of Japan’s power policy for 40 years and, theoretically, the use of plutonium extracted from spent nuclear fuel is capable of producing more fissionable material than it consumes. However, the process is costly and the AEC has decided to reassess the program.
The deregulation of the power market has also been a factor in the decision to abandon fast breeders.
An AEC panel is expected to draft the proposals by mid-2005. Formal approval of the new long-ranging plan is expected by November next year.
