Regarding the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's proposal for an action plan that promotes the development of next-generation nuclear reactors in consideration of the rebuilding of decommissioned nuclear power plants, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura commented on various points of view. Based on the opinions of the family, he showed his intention to summarize the discussion.
The proposed action plan for maximizing the use of nuclear power, presented at a council of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on the 28th, promotes the development of next-generation nuclear reactors with the rebuilding of decommissioned nuclear power plants in mind. In addition, it was included that the suspension period due to examination etc. is excluded as an exception from the operating period of nuclear power plants, which is stipulated as a maximum of 60 years.
Regarding this plan, Minister Nishimura said at a press conference after the cabinet meeting on the 29th, "I would like to refrain from making specific comments on future policies, but I would like to continue working toward the end of the year to come to a concrete conclusion." He expressed his intention to summarize the discussions based on the opinions of experts in various positions.
On top of that, when asked if there was not enough discussion to gain the public's understanding, he replied, "Since receiving the instructions from the prime minister in August, we have had 10 discussions so far, and we have been very cautious. We will continue to listen to the opinions of the people and seek their understanding as we move forward.”