A Tokyo-based engineering firm affiliated with Japan Atomic Power Co. falsified data on a container for transporting mixed oxide fuel to be used in planned thermal neutron reactors, Transport Minister Jiro Kawasaki said Tuesday.Genden Engineering Services and Construction Co. tampered with the data on the density of the raw materials and the volume of hydrogen and boron contained in them. Their function is to shield the neutrons of mixed oxide fuel, according to the ministry officials.The data alteration was found in a material certificate submitted to British Steel Engineering, which supplies the materials.Genden officials told a news conference later Tuesday that they believe the fabrication of data occurred because staffers in charge estimated figures rather than wait to confirm them in order to meet the container's appointed delivery date.The container will be used when mixed oxide fuel is transported from Europe to Japan. Kansai Electric Power Co. plans to receive the shipment and use the fuel at a light-water reactor in Takahama, Fukui Prefecture.The Science and Technology Agency had set up an investigative committee to probe Genden's alleged alteration of data on containers to carry used nuclear fuel and other test data.The latest revelation may affect the government's plan to use excess plutonium for power generation.
