Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
The 10th Annual Japan-UK Nuclear Dialogue
July 4, 2022
- On 13 and 14 December 2021, the tenth Annual Japan-UK Nuclear Dialogue was held online, co-chaired by Mr. Ikematsu Hidehiro, Deputy Director-General, Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mr. Chris Heffer, Director, Nuclear, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the UK. During the Dialogue, both countries exchanged opinions on their activities on the following topics; “Nuclear Energy Policy”, “Nuclear Safety and Regulation”, “Nuclear Research and Development”, “Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation”, and “Public Communication on Nuclear”.
- On “Nuclear Energy Policy”, the UK and Japan updated respective policy, and emphasized the importance of nuclear energy for achieving net zero emissions by 2050. On “Nuclear Safety and Regulations”, regulators in both countries shared updates on recent developments in regulations. On the topic of “Nuclear Research and Development”, both countries updated their own or joint activities. They recognized the need to promote nuclear to the younger generation to attract a diverse workforce and benefits gained from collaboration on shared research projects, and confirmed to explore room for further collaboration in areas of shared needs.
- Regarding “Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation”, there was recognition of the extensive and successful collaboration between the UK and Japan, and both sides noted the deepening knowledge sharing and collaboration on decommissioning and waste management for cost effectiveness. Japan provided a detailed update on the current situation at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi including the proposed process for the discharge of the ALPS treated water at the site. The UK noted it respects and agrees with the science behind such a step and outlined that it sees no reason why the treated water should not be discharged, provided consideration is given to appropriate dilution and rate of discharge. The UK welcomed Japan’s close collaboration with the IAEA on this matter. On “Public Communication”, both sides recognized the importance of transparency and clarity with the public on nuclear energy, and the need to listen carefully to diverse views including those opposed to nuclear energy.
- Based on the discussion in the dialogue, further enhancement of nuclear cooperation between Japan and the UK is expected.
