Japan, USA to cooperate on advanced reactor development

The ministers discussed the global energy security situation and strengthening clean energy cooperation, as well as the importance of clean energy transitions, including renewable energies, energy efficiency, nuclear energy, geothermal energy, and the production and use of hydrogen and ammonia.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, which took place on 9 January, the US Department of Energy (DOE) "noted the significance" of the Japanese government's December 2022 announcement of its future nuclear energy plans, part of a policy to address global fuel shortages following Russia's invasion of Ukraine while seeking to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

"METI and DOE intend to cultivate opportunities for cooperation on nuclear energy, such as development and construction of next-generation advanced reactors including small modular reactors both within each country and third countries. Both countries also intend to work on maximising use of existing reactors and building robust nuclear component and fuel supply-chains, including uranium fuel among like-minded countries," the ministers said.

They also said their governments are committed to "maintaining a rigorous and consistent regulatory environment for all energy sources," endeavouring to be responsive to all stakeholders and enabling private sector investments.