FAQ : FY2013 Supplementary Budget (9th Solicitation Round) R&D for Nuclear Decommissioning

Regarding procedures for applying to this subsidy program
Q

There exist subsidized projects which spans two years. For such projects, will interim payments by way of rough estimate for each year possible?

A

The possibility of payments by rough estimate will be discussed with the project operating entities to be subsidized individually, after they have been chosen for subsidies, because coordination with other agencies concerned is required.

Q

As for the documents to be submitted for the evaluation, is it possible for us to prepare other separate documents than the application form? If that is the case, is it necessary to print them out?

A

It is possible for applicants to prepare complementary materials utilizing PPT, etc. to make the contents of the application more easily understandable, but the evaluation is to be made based on the application. In the case where such complementary materials are prepared, it is necessary to print them out.

Q

As we wish to start the project as early as possible, we want you to shorten the period up to the subsidy grant decision.

A

We have been trying to decide on the subsidy grant as quickly as possible.

Q

Does the subsidy amount never go beyond the upper limit?

A

No. The subsidy amount will never go beyond the upper limit.

Regarding the projects (General)
Q

As for the fostering of human resources from a medium- and long-term perspective, to what extent is that been expected?

A

This matter shall be judged by each project operating entity. Therefore, the thought of the project operating entity shall be described in the application as it sees appropriate.

Q

As for the reporting of the project, it is described in the Application Guidelines that the reporting is to be made quarterly in principle. In the meantime, the deadline for the application for this subsidy program is set as the end of September. Then, how often shall the reporting for the relevant project be made?

A

As for the project through the end of March 2015, it is expected that the reporting of the project is to be made only twice.

Q

Do you have an intention of creating documents (such as the Application Guidelines) also in English?

A

No. We have no such plan. However, it is possible for applicants to submit proposals in English.

Regarding the project (Development of Criticality Control Technologies of Fuel Debris)
Q

Will technologies developed in the relevant project be treated as satisfying regulatory requirements?

A

Technologies developed in the project do not necessarily be treated as satisfying regulatory requirements merely on the ground that they have been developed in/for the project. The point as to whether the developed technologies satisfy regulatory requirements or not needs to be verified by the regulatory authorities.

Regarding the project (Development of Remote Decontamination Technology in the Reactor Building)
Q

As for the development of decontamination equipment for upper floors, it is required to use general-purpose lifting work-platform. Then, are there any detailed conditions for the work-platform?

A

There are no other detailed conditions set forth than those described in the Application Guidelines. Please make your proposal, including the type of the general-purpose lifting work-platform to be used, based on the up-to-date information about Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.

Q

As for the decontamination of basement floors, general conditions alone are described in the Application Guidelines. Are there any conditions to be considered specifically?

A

Items for consideration described in the Application Guidelines are those to be considered.

Q

As for the study of decontamination concept for basement floors, may we understand that the basement floors subject to decontamination are general-type basement floors? Or, do we need to consider any special-type basement floors?

A

While it is also possible that some part of the basement floors serves as a place used for the retrieval of fuel debris, please describe in the application as the applicant think it appropriate, based on its own judgment.

Regarding the project (Development of Technologies for Non-destructive Detection of Radioactive Materials Accumulated in S/C, etc.)
Q

As for the assessment of impacts of radioactive materials to water-leakage stoppage materials, etc., may we understand that the assessment of the accounting/control of radioactive materials not required?

A

The assessment of the accounting/control of radioactive materials is not required in principle, although it is possible for the applicant to include that assessment in its proposal.

Regarding the project (Development of Investigation Technology of Inside of PCV)
Q

In the case where all the items cannot be covered with the upper limit of the subsidy amount, is it possible for us to make our proposal only for some portion of the scope?

A

We expect that the proposal covers all the items.

Q

In “Item 2. (3)” of the Application Guidelines, it is described in respect of Unit 3 that those projects which requires the preparatory studies several more years before implementing them are to be considered separately. Then may we understand that those projects will be implemented separately from this project?

A

Requests for proposals for Unit 3 will not necessarily be made separately from this request. However, since it will need a longer time for the preparatory studies for Unit 3, please consider your proposal, by assuming the case without Unit 3. Nevertheless, it is possible for the applicants to include matters related to Unit 3 in their proposals this time, if they think it appropriate.