PROJECT

1. Significance of Establishment

The new test and research reactor will serve as the core of a new nuclear research and human resource development hub utilizing the “Monju” site, and is expected to contribute to various innovative research efforts and the creation of innovation.

2. Project History

2-1. Background to the start of the project

Decision to build a new research reactor

The government policy on the treatment of “Monju” was decided at the Nuclear Energy Ministerial Meeting in December 2016. When the government policy to decommission “Monju” is decided, it is indicated that the “Monju” site will be utilized in the future and that the government will “establish a new research reactor at the Monju site and position it to become a core base to support Japan’s future nuclear research and human resource development”.

内閣官房：原子力関係閣僚会議議事概要 (in Japanese)

Narrowing down reactor types by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)

Since FY 2017, a study was conducted and reviewed for the conceptual design of the reactor type to be installed.
1. realization of functions suitable as a core center for nuclear energy R&D and human resource development in western Japan.
2. contribution to local development.
From the above perspectives, we have narrowed our focus to a “medium-power reactor (Thermal output less than 10 MW)” whose main purpose is to utilize neutron beams. The conceptual design is scheduled to start in FY2020, and the detailed design in FY2022.

文部科学省：調査報告書 (in Japanese)
文部科学省：「もんじゅ」サイトに設置する試験研究炉の炉型及び今後の検討の進め方について (in Japanese)

Selection of construction site

MEXT selected several candidate reactor types through a commissioned survey. In May 2020, MEXT presented to the Nuclear Science and Technology Committee of MEXT, after hearing the opinions of the local community (Fukui Prefecture and Tsuruga City), that a medium-power reactor primarily for neutron beam utilization would be most appropriate, as well as a possible site within the Monju site as a candidate construction site.

文部科学省：原子力科学技術委員会 原子力研究開発・基盤・人材作業部会議事録 (in Japanese)

Public recruitment of contractors by MEXT

In September 2020, MEXT publicly recruited a contractor for the “Study on the conceptual design and operation of a new research reactor to be installed at the Monju site” project.

Decision on the contractor

In November 2020, JAEA, Kyoto University, and University of Fukui were selected as core institutions for the commissioned project.

文部科学省：「もんじゅサイトに設置する新たな試験研究炉の概念設計及び運営の在り方検討」の公募の採択機関の決定について (in Japanese)

System for studying

1. Steady design, installation, and operation of the research reactor.
2. Operation of the research reactor so that a wide range of related organizations can use it.
3. Establishment of partnerships with local institutions.

The few research institutes and universities with knowledge, experience, and capabilities in the above three areas will establish a system of collaboration based on an appropriate division of roles, position these institutes as core organizations, and study the conceptual design and operation of the research reactor.

2-2. Start of the Project

Entrusted with the project

Project name	Study on the conceptual design and operation of a new research reactor to be installed at the Monju site
Project period	From FY2020 to FY2022
Project contents	(1) Establishment of a consortium (2) Examination of operation system (3) Concept design

Outline of the project commissioned by MEXT

The following three institutions were entrusted with this project. The three institutions are primarily responsible for the following tasks.

JAEA: Design, installation and operation of the research reactor
Kyoto University: Operation of a wide range of utilization
University of Fukui: Establishment of cooperation with local related organizations

The three organizations will play a leading role in their respective primary responsibilities, and will also be mutually involved in the primary duties of the other organizations, while promoting consistent and efficient operations as a whole. In addition, an “Overall Management Team” consisting of the three organizations’ implementation managers will be established to coordinate, manage progress, and share information among the three organizations to manage the overall project.

2-3. Transition to a Subsidized Project