METAL CASK STORAGE AS COMPARED WITH POOL STORAGE OF SPENT NUCLEAR FUEL IN JAPAN

Toshiari Saegusa July 7, 2017 I.  INTRODUCTION   In this essay, Toshiari Saegusa reviews the evolution of nuclear spent fuel (SF) storage technology and in particular, the safety, economic, and security issues associated with use of dry cask storage for nuclear spent fuel.  He concludes: “From technical and economic points of view, SF needs to be […]

JAPANESE ENERGY POLICIES AFTER FUKUSHIMA

Kae Takase June 23 2017   I.  INTRODUCTION In this essay, after tracing the evolution of Japan’s energy policy and economy in the years after Fukushima, Kae Takase concludes: “The Japanese electricity sector will undergo dramatic and disruptive changes in the coming years.  The future of nuclear reactor restarts, retail market deregulation, unbundling of transmission […]

NUCLEAR SECURITY DEFICIENCY: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES ON JAPAN’S FUEL-CYCLE POLICY

Masakatsu Ota June 15, 2017   I. INTRODUCTION In this essay Masakatsu Ota argues that driven by “other agendas,” the Abe government will continue to support nuclear power, including MOx fuel recycling in spite of the Fukushima disaster, albeit with important modifications.  He concludes that “little attention has been paid to nuclear security concern about […]

NUCLEAR TERRORISM: HOW BIG IS THE RISK TO JAPAN

Matthew Bunn June 8, 2017   I. INTRODUCTION This essay by Matthew Bunn argues that nine straightforward steps are available for Japan to greatly reduce the risks of nuclear terrorism at reasonable cost.  “These include minimizing the use of materials that could be used in nuclear weapons, and providing highly effective security and accounting wherever […]

THE DPRK’S INTENDED NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBUTION TO COMMITMENTS UNDER THE UNFCCC: A CLIMATE CHANGE WINDOW INTO THE DPRK ENERGY SECTOR

David von Hippel and Peter Hayes June 7, 2017    I.  INTRODUCTION In this essay, David von Hippel and Peter Hayes suggest that the emissions data reported in the DPRK’s Intended Nationally Determined Contribution of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea submitted to the UN are broadly consistent with previously compiled energy supply-demand balances prepared for the […]

JAPAN’S NEW REGULATORY STANDARDS FOR NUCLEAR POWER AND REPROCESSING PLANTS: TECHNICAL, SOCIAL AND POLITICAL ASPECTS

Tadahiro Katsuta June 1 2017    I.  INTRODUCTION In this essay, Tadahiro Katsuta concludes that: “Security measures have been strengthened following the Fukushima accident. More detailed discussions on security at nuclear facilities that include addressing issues specific to Japan, however, are needed.” Tadahiro Katsuta is Associate Professor at Meiji University in Japan. This Special Report was […]

POTENTIAL IMPACTS OF ACCIDENT AT OR ATTACK ON THE DPRK’S YONGBYON NUCLEAR REACTORS

David von Hippel and Peter Hayes May 22, 2017   I. INTRODUCTION This essay by David von Hippel and Peter Hayes argues that neither attack nor accident at the DPRK’s two reactors at Yongbyon would result in significant transborder radiological damage. They conclude that “the United States and its allies control most of the variables that […]

IS THE UNITED NATIONS AIMING TO DESTROY NORTH KOREA?

Alexander Vorontsov May 19, 2017 I. INTRODUCTION In this essay, Alexander Vorontsov shares his concerns about the United Nations imposing an economic embargo on the DPRK and the possible implications for the United Nations. Alexander Vorontsov is Head of Korea and Mongolia Department,  Institute of Oriental studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Associated Professor Oriental Studies […]