Enhanced Efficiency of Nuclear Power Generation

A shift in sentiment concerning nuclear power generation, with advantages of minimal CO₂ emissions, is gaining attention worldwide, as more and more people have started recognizing its effectiveness in mitigating climate change. The Japanese government designated nuclear power as an indispensable bulwark against shortage of energy supply in the Framework for Nuclear Energy Policy announced in 2005. In these circumstances, Toshiba Group is making efforts with research and development to achieve safer and more efficient nuclear power generation. One major initiative which is utilizing Toshiba Nuclear Critical Assembly (NCA) technology is development of next-generation nuclear reactor fuel. This unique technology for enhancing uranium enrichment while maintaining safety substantially improves power generation efficiency (power output per ton of fuel), cuts fuel costs, and reduces radioactive waste (used fuel). Longer fuel life enables long-term continuous operation of nuclear power plants. Furthermore, because periodic shutdowns for inspections are less frequent, the need to resort to coal-fired power generation as an alternative during such shutdowns is minimized, leading to lower CO₂ emissions.