Author(s)

M. Osaka, S. Miwa, K. Tanaka, I. Sato, T. Hirosawa, H. Obayashi, K. Mondo, Y. Akutsu, Y. Ishi, S. Koyama, H. Yoshimochi & K. Tanaka

Abstract

Research and development of innovative oxide fuels doped with minor actinides for use in fast reactors are underway. Management of minor actinides in a fast reactor fuel cycle is a key technology for successful realization of a sustainable energy supply with a low impact on the environment. Americium-doped oxide fuels are focused on as representative of minor actinides-containing fuel. Two types of fuels were designed and fabrication tests were carried out. Fundamental properties were also investigated. Results can effectively be reflected to establishment of the fast reactor cycle with minor actinides. Keywords: fast reactor cycle, minor actinides, oxide fuel, fabrication, characterization, irradiation test, composite fuel. 1 Introduction Establishment of a sustainable energy supply for the future is presently being given top consideration. Such energy resources should meet several requirements, including specifically low environmental burden, economical competitiveness, and efficient use of natural resources. In particular, since global warming mainly caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) accumulation has become a main concern, energy resources that emit no CO2 or only a small amount of it are strongly expected to be listed at the top among those that satisfy the abovementioned requirements. Nuclear energy emits a smaller amount of CO2 than the present major energy resources, the fossil energies. Nuclear energy is widely recognized as one of the

Keywords

fast reactor cycle, minor actinides, oxide fuel, fabrication, characterization, irradiation test, composite fuel.