For the first time, a meeting of a working group of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry was held to discuss the development of a new nuclear reactor, which is becoming more active toward practical use in Europe and the United States, and the realization of a "decarbonized society" and nuclear power generation by Russia. There was an opinion that it is necessary to set a long-term vision based on the social situation such as an armed attack on the power plant, and then discuss it together with ensuring safety and disposing of waste.
The first meeting was held online with 14 members including experts in the field of nuclear energy.
At the meeting, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, which serves as the secretariat, showed the current status of new nuclear reactor development, which is becoming more active in Europe and the United States, and received explanations from manufacturers and others about their efforts toward development. ..
The committee members said, "We should discuss what kind of power source is expected for the realization of a carbon-free society and what Japan wants to do." "Nuclear security based on Russia's armed attack on nuclear power plants. It is also important to discuss the viewpoints and risks of the nuclear power plant. ”With a long-term vision, it was important to ensure safety.
There was also an opinion that waste treatment should be discussed in addition to the cost and time of technological development.
We will continue to discuss the matter from the next time onward, and will summarize the advantages and challenges of developing a new reactor by this summer.