New nuclear waste technology will take decades

 October 23, 2013

Japan pursuing new nuclear disposal technology

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20131023_24.html

The Japanese government plans to develop new technology that would cut the environmental impact of highly radioactive waste from nuclear power plants.

The waste is believed to have an impact on the environment that lasts tens of thousands of years. The government's current plan involves burying it deep underground. But officials have yet to choose a site due to safety concerns.

The science ministry convened a panel of experts on Wednesday. Ministry officials told the panel that they will start to develop a technology that would reduce the amount of time the waste is considered harmful to hundreds of years. The experts agreed to the plan.

The plan involves extracting long-lasting radioactive substances from spent nuclear fuel. Officials say that by using neutrons created in particle accelerators, the substances can be changed into shorter-lasting materials.

They say that if the plan succeeds, it would also cut the disposal space needed for the waste to about a hundredth of current estimates.

However, there are many problems that must be overcome, including how to secure safety. Observers say it will take decades before the plan can be put into action.

Some experts said that Japan should ask other countries to help with the project. Others said the government should exercise caution in deciding whether to put the technology into use.

Hiroyuki Oigawa of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency says that, if Japan obtains international support, the plan could be put into practical use in about 20 to 30 years.

Oct. 23, 2013 - Updated 08:07 UTC