Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation

December 26, 2022
Japanese
  1. On 2 November 2022, the eleventh Annual Japan-UK Nuclear Dialogue was held in a hybrid format in Tokyo, co-chaired by Mr. Ito Shigeki, Deputy Director General, Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Science Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Mr. Chris Heffer, Director, Nuclear Power and Decommissioning, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the UK. During the Dialogue, both countries exchanged opinions on their activities on the following topics; “Nuclear Research and Development”, “Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation”, “Nuclear Energy Policy”, “Public Communication on Nuclear”, and “Nuclear Safety and Regulation”.
  2. On “Nuclear Research and Development”, both countries covered an overview of nuclear R&D in Japan and the UK as well as an update on joint research projects.　Both sides agreed on the need to promote nuclear to the younger generation to ensure a diverse workforce. On “Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation”, both sides recognised the extensive successful collaboration between the UK and Japan in this area and the significant mutual benefits this collaboration has brought. On the topic of “Nuclear Energy Policy”, the UK and Japan provided an update on their policies and latest domestic developments with respect to nuclear energy. Both sides noted the need for secure energy systems given the current geopolitical context and high oil and LNG prices.
  3. On “Public Communication”, both sides recognised the importance of consistency, simplicity and candidness in public communications on nuclear. Regarding the handling of ALPS treated water at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Japan presented an update on public communication with interested parties. The UK reiterated its support of the science behind the decision, 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. On “Nuclear Safety and Regulation”, regulators from the UK and Japan shared updates on regulation focus in their respective countries.
  4. Based on the discussion in the dialogue, further enhancement of nuclear cooperation between Japan and the UK is expected.

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