An Overview of the Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute for 1999

摘要

The Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute (JNC) was formed only a little over a year ago on 1 October 1998, to replace the Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development Corporation (PNC). Following a comprehensive independent review of Japan's nuclear cycle R&D, the Government recognized the need for a new organization, more responsive both to public demands for greater information disclosure, and to the requirements of a commercial nuclear industry which operates in an increasingly competitive environment. Significant changes were made in order that JNC would have improved safety, efficiency and accountability, and be focussed on a well-defined development goal. Although much of the organizational groundwork had already been laid at the time of JNC's creation, this year has been the first in which the new decentralized management structures have been implemented. So, 1999 has been a formative period for JNC, and one of considerable change for the management and workforce alike.