A national research institute, Japan Atomic Energy Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will cooperate technically on the development plan for the next-generation fast reactor, which is being developed in the United States.
In the United States, the Ministry of Energy and the nuclear energy company "TerraPower" are proceeding with a development plan for a next-generation fast reactor, aiming to start operation in 2028.
According to the people concerned, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which have been promoting research and development using demonstration reactors in Japan, have decided to cooperate with this plan and will sign a memorandum of understanding soon.
Both sides will provide the design technology and data so far, while aiming to acquire knowledge by participating in new development.
Regarding this, Minister for Economic Security Kobayashi said at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on the 7th that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and others have received a request for cooperation, saying, "Participation in overseas development projects is international on nuclear power. It is important not only from the perspective of cooperation, but also to secure opportunities for human resource development in Japan. "
He also acknowledged that maintaining Japan's advanced technology and developing human resources are important for economic security.