Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and four electric power companies have announced that they will jointly develop next-generation nuclear reactors and aim for commercialization in the 2030s.
Regarding the next-generation nuclear reactor, last month the government announced a policy to consider development and construction, and the movement towards commercialization among the private sector will accelerate.
According to the announcement, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will jointly develop a next-generation nuclear reactor called an "innovative light water reactor" with four power companies in Kansai, Kyushu, Hokkaido, and Shikoku.
This reactor is assumed to have an output of 1.2 million kilowatts, which is the same scale as a conventional large reactor. We are planning to make it a structure that is embedded in the underground bedrock.
In the joint development, we plan to aim for practical application in the 2030s.
Regarding next-generation nuclear reactors, last month the government announced a policy to consider the development and construction of next-generation nuclear reactors, which are safer and more economical than current ones, in order to realize a decarbonized society. The movement toward practical use will accelerate.
Chief Cabinet Secretary ``Relevant ministries and agencies should consider carefully based on research trends''
At a press conference in the afternoon, Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno said, "Considering issues such as the development and construction of next-generation innovative reactors, discussions are currently being held at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's council, etc., based on instructions from Prime Minister Kishida. I would like the relevant ministries and agencies to proceed with thorough deliberations while also taking into account trends in research and development."