Experimental and theoretical activities in Japan

Process Heat from Light-Water Reactors 

For the purpose of a stable, long-term energy security, promoting industries, and development of local areas, Japan is currently investigating the potential of light-water reactor process heat applications. The chemical industries in Japan occupy a share of about one sixth of the electricity which is mostly consumed in the form of heat. Designs have been presented to utilize steam from 1100 MW(e) class PWRs or BWRs. 

The LWR is separated from the chemical plant by an intermediate circuit to minimize the risk of a radioactivity escape into the process gas circuit. A further advantage will be the accumulation of steam generated by cheap off-peak electricity. The basic technology 

Gas hydrate is a mixture of methane embedded in ice crystals at -23 C buried at the ground of the oceans. One of gas hydrate transforms under normal conditions into 164 m of methane plus 0.8 of water. 

The final goal of heat utilization of LWRs is described in a Japanese study [19] bypresenting the concept of a new city for approx. 50,000 inhabitants with the shape of half a circle and situated at the coast line. The nuclear energy supply center is located in the (circle) center to provide heat and electricity to belts of industries, greens, residences, arable land in a concentric arrangement. The energy center consists of four nuclear power units, two PWRs, two BWRs, with 1(X)0 MW(e) each. 

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