Japan Atomic Energy Agency facts for kids
The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) is a special organization in Japan. It works with atomic energy, which is a powerful type of energy. JAEA was created by combining two older groups. These were the Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute and the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute. People sometimes call JAEA by a shorter name, "Genken." This name means "nuclear research" in Japanese.
In April 2007, JAEA became part of a group called the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP). This group works together on nuclear energy projects. Other members included Areva and Washington Group International. JAEA's experience with a special plant in Rokkasho was very helpful to this group.
In April 2016, JAEA moved some of its research labs to another organization. This organization was then renamed the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST).
In 2018, JAEA estimated a large cost to safely take apart its old facilities. They planned to decommission 79 facilities over 70 years. This process helps keep everyone safe.
Contents
What is the Japan Atomic Energy Agency?
The Japan Atomic Energy Agency was started in October 2005. It was created by a special law in Japan.
Where is JAEA's Main Office?
JAEA's main office is in a place called Tokai-mura. In October 2005, about 4,386 people worked there full-time. The Board Chairman, who leads the organization, was 岡﨑俊雄 starting in January 2007.
Where Does JAEA Work?
JAEA has many important locations and facilities across Japan. These places help them do their research and development.
Tokai-mura Facilities
JAEA has several important buildings in Tōkai, Ibaraki Prefecture. This area was the first place in Japan to focus on nuclear research.
- Tokai R&D Center: This center includes two main parts.
- The Nuclear Science Research Institute studies atomic science.
- The Nuclear Fuel Cycle Engineering Laboratories work on how nuclear fuel is used.
- J-PARC: This stands for the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex. It has many large machines that study tiny particles.
Tsuruga Facilities
Another main JAEA base is in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture. This center focuses on fast breeder reactors. These are special types of nuclear reactors. It is also a big research and development center.
Oarai R&D Center
This center is in Ōarai, Ibaraki Prefecture. It is close to Tokai-mura but not the same place.
- It has the Jōyō reactor, which is a research reactor.
- The Japan Materials Testing Reactor tests materials for nuclear use.
- A new High-temperature engineering test reactor is also located here.
- The center also has a place to check the environment for radiation.
- There is even a children's museum at this location!
Ningyo-toge Environmental Engineering Center
This center is in Kamisaibara, Okayama Prefecture. It is a smaller plant that works with uranium. It helps prepare uranium for use in nuclear power. This center deals with the first steps of using nuclear fuel.
Aomori R&D Center
The Aomori Research and Development Center is spread across two towns. These are Rokkasho and Mutsu, both in Aomori Prefecture.
- The Rokkasho site does research on fusion power. This includes designing fusion reactors. It also has a particle accelerator and a place to test materials.
- The facilities in Mutsu include a museum. They also have a place to watch the ocean. This center helps manage radioactive waste safely.
JAEA also works with another company called Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited. They help with plans for reprocessing nuclear fuel and enriching uranium.
Horonobe Underground Research Center
This center is in Horonobe. It studies geology deep underground. This research helps with safely storing high-level radioactive waste. This site is expected to become Japan's main Deep geological repository for nuclear waste.
- Fugen
Tono Geoscience Center
This center is located in Tōnō, Gifu Prefecture. It focuses on earth science.
More to Explore
- 2011 Japanese nuclear accidents
- Fukushima I nuclear accidents
- Nuclear power in Japan
