International Safeguards—Automated MOX Fuel Fabrication

This introduction to the session highlights major non-technological realities that led to PNC/DOE cooperation to provide international safeguards for automated MOX fabrication and the Plutonium Fuel Production Facility-the PFPF-in Tokai-mura. Japan recognizes that it is poor in energy resources and the Government promotes nuclear power to support energy security. Establishment of the nuclear fuel cycle is a centerpiece of Japan's strategy for use of nuclear energy. The PNC was established by Japan in 1967 to develop Ttew types of reactors that use plutonium efficiently, and the nuclear fuel cycle to support the reactors. Japan also is a Party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and has long been one of the strongest supporters of the international nonproliferation regime. PNC President Masayoshi Hayashi has recognized that development of the international safeguards measures is necessary and their past progress on such developments has been substantial. On July 17, 1988, the United States and Japan entered into a new bilateral agreement for cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy. This bilateral treaty includes strong commitments to further the objectives of the international Non-Proliferation Treaty and to further the application of safeguards by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The U.S./Japan agreement includes a generic safeguards concept for plutonium fuel fabrication plants. The progress to be reported at this session fully supports the U.S./Japan agreement. Although IAEA and PNC are engaged in privileged negotiations of safeguards arrangements for MOX fabrication at the PFPF, IAEA inspectors are now using completed developments to be described this morning.