Japan restarts costly fast-breeder nuclear reactor...
Image via WikipediaJapan has restarted a costly fast-breeder nuclear reactor for the first time since it was closed down fourteen years ago because of a major accident and cover-up.
The experimental reactor Monju in the northern fishing town of Tsuruga, uses plutonium instead of the conventional uranium and produces radioactive substances that can actually be reused as fuel.
Monju's startup in August 1995 lasted only four months after it leaked volatile liquid sodium. No one was apparently hurt in the accident and no radioactivity escaped, but the operator's came under fire for concealing the extensive damage that was caused to the reactor.
This type of reactor could become more acceptable because it reuses waste product in its operation.
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Labels: energy, Fast breeder reactor, Monju Nuclear Power Plant, Nuclear, Nuclear reactor technology, Plutonium, Radioactive decay, technology
posted by Unknown @ 9:01 PM
2 Comments:
Hi Peter,
If Plutonium can be recycled, then it would be better. Only that its usage should be closely observed by international Nuke agency because it can be easily made into nuke bomb.
I agree. Wouldn't want Iran or North Korea getting hold of that stuff.
peter
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