JAERI R&D on accelerator-based transmutation under OMEGA program

Abstract

The overview of the Japanese long‐term research and development program on nuclide partitioning and transmutation, called ‘‘OMEGA,’’ is presented. Under this national program, major R&D activities are being carried out at JAERI, PNC, and CRIEPI. Accelerator‐based transmutation study at JAERI is focused on a dedicated transmutor with a subcritical actinide‐fueled subcritical core coupled with a spallation target driven by a high intensity proton accelerator. Two types of system concept, solid system and molten‐salt system, are discussed. The solid system consists of sodium‐cooled tungsten target and metallic actinide fuel. The molten‐salt system is fueled with molten actinide chloride that acts also as a target material. The proposed plant transmutes about 250 kg of minor actinide per year, and generates enough electricity to power its own accelerator. JAERI is proposing the development of an intense proton linear accelerator ETA with 1.5 GeV‐10 mA beam for engineering tests of accelerator‐based transmutation. Recent achievements in the accelerator development are described.