Mr. Shinsuke Yamanaka, who was appointed as the new chairman of the Nuclear Regulation Authority, held a press conference, and commented on regulatory initiatives as the government considered a review of its nuclear policy, saying, "We will maintain strict independence and transparency. We are not going to change our policy," he said.
Mr. Shinsuke Yamanaka, who was appointed as the third chairman of the Nuclear Regulation Authority, is 66 years old.
He specializes in research on the nuclear fuel used in nuclear power plants, and since joining the committee five years ago, he has played a central role in the review necessary for restarting nuclear power plants.
At the inaugural press conference on the 26th, Chairman Yamanaka was asked about regulatory responses based on the government's consideration of maximizing the use of existing nuclear power plants and the development and construction of next-generation nuclear reactors. With a strong feeling of not forgetting, we have no intention of changing our policy of maintaining independence and transparency and implementing strict regulations," he said, emphasizing that his stance toward regulation will not change regardless of government policies. .
On top of that, regarding the fact that the review of some nuclear power plants is taking a long time, he said, "Strict review is the basis, but efforts to improve are necessary, and we would like to actively work on improving problems through dialogue with operators." I was.
In addition, as a priority, he said, "We make scientific and technical safety decisions, but there are aspects that are not accurately communicated to the public.In addition to disseminating easy-to-understand information, problems with a large social impact can be found in various places. I would like to have many opportunities to explain at the meeting, ”said the chairman, who indicated that he would personally engage in dialogue with local governments where nuclear power plants are located.
Tomoyuki Sugiyama, a new member of the Nuclear Regulation Authority, said, "Our role is to look only at safety without being influenced by economic efficiency or power demand."
Mr. Tomoyuki Sugiyama (54), who was newly appointed to the committee to succeed Mr. Yamanaka, who became chairman, has served as the head of the department that researches the safety of nuclear reactors at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency. .
At the inaugural press conference on the 26th, Commissioner Sugiyama said, "Recently, there have been various changes in the situation, but it is important for us to see only safety without being influenced by economic efficiency or power demand, which was the original purpose of establishing the Regulatory Commission. It's an assigned role," he said.
After that, he said, ``Aside from streamlining the review process for hastening restarts, I would like to technically develop nuclear regulations, such as removing procedures that hinder the activities of operators who are trying to improve safety.'' He showed the idea of changing to the direction of increasing safety.
Sugiyama's term of office is until September 18, 2025.