Idaho National Laboratory scientists gain critical experience in Japan’s nuclear sector

By Sarah Lusk , INL Communications

Idaho National Laboratory Nuclear Nonproliferation staff members recently returned from a transformative trip to Japan, where they visited the Rokkasho Nuclear Reprocessing Facility and participated in the Global 2024 Nuclear Fuel Cycle conference in Tokyo. These activities, organized with Japanese Nuclear Fuel Limited and the Japan Atomic Energy Agency , provided INL's early-career scientists with crucial hands-on experience in nuclear fuel reprocessing.

Rokkasho Facility Visit: A deep dive into nuclear reprocessing

On Oct. 4, the INL team, consisting mainly of early-career scientists guided by experienced mentors, toured the Rokkasho Nuclear Reprocessing Facility. They explored key areas such as uranium enrichment cascades, uranium storage buildings, mock-up reprocessing hot cells, spent fuel storage basins, and reprocessing canyons. This visit offered a valuable real-world perspective on the tools, techniques, and challenges of commercial-scale reprocessing outside the United States.

A highlight of the visit was the in-depth discussions with Tomonori “Tom” Iwamoto, a renowned safeguards expert at Japanese Nuclear Fuel Limited. These one-on-one interactions allowed INL scientists to delve into the complexities of nuclear fuel reprocessing and safeguards, significantly enhancing their knowledge and skills. The visit also resulted in an invitation for Iwamoto to visit INL facilities next year, fostering ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange between the U.S. and Japan.

Global 2024 Nuclear Fuel Cycle Conference: Sharing and expanding knowledge

After their visit to Rokkasho, the INL team attended the Global 2024 Nuclear Fuel Cycle conference in Tokyo. Here, they presented their research and collaborated with nuclear fuel cycle experts from around the world. As part of the conference, they also visited the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, broadening their understanding of nuclear safety and recovery efforts.

Building international expertise and collaboration

“This visit and the subsequent conference participation provided INL staff, especially early-career scientists, with an unparalleled opportunity to learn and grow,” said Mathew Snow, a nuclear nonproliferation chemical scientist. “The hands-on experiences and expert discussions with Tom and other Japanese experts have been instrumental in shaping our team members' careers, while also strengthening international relationships and opening avenues for future collaborations.”

INL’s visit to Japan underscore the laboratory’s dedication to fostering international cooperation and advancing nuclear energy expertise. These collaborative efforts are expected to yield long-term benefits for both countries, promoting innovation and safety in the field of nuclear energy.

About Idaho National Laboratory

Battelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, celebrating 75 years of scientific innovations in 2024. The laboratory performs research in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and the environment. Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.