Review of research and development of accelerator-driven system in Japan for transmutation of long-lived nuclides

Active and comprehensive studies on an accelerator-driven subcritical syste m (ADS) for transmutation of long-lived nuclides have been carried out at t he Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI). In the late 1970's, JAER I started the basic study of this subject and later, comprehensive studies have been performed under the "OMEGA" program of Japan: the long-term progr am for research and development on partitioning and transmutation (P&T) tec hnology. Based on a design study of a dedicated transmutation system, JAERI decided to concentrate its efforts for transmutation study on the developm ent of ADS. The construction of an experimental facility for the ADS develo pment was proposed as a part of the Neutron Science Project of JAERI, which aimed at the construction of the world most powerful spallation neutron so urce. Since 1998, JAERI and the High Energy Accelerator Research Organizati on (KEK) are jointly proposing a High-Intensity Proton Accelerator Project. An ADS experimental facility composed of a subcritical assembly and a liqu id lead-bismuth target/coolant engineering facility will be constructed und er this project. In this paper, the development of ADS at JAERI, together w ith related technologies of P&T, both under the OMEGA program and the joint proposal, is reviewed. Other activities on ADS study in Japan are also rev iewed. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.