Japan, France strengthen nuclear cooperation

They will push for discussions on policy measures and cooperation on technological development.

Japan and France will set government action plans as a new framework for cooperation as the countries committed to reinforcing their mutual nuclear partnership and support for third countries that aim to improve the safety and advocate the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

In a joint statement, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and France’s Ministry of Energy said the action plan will include the acceleration of discussion on policy measures and cooperation including research and development support and financing in the nuclear sector.

The two countries will also ramp up technical cooperation on the nuclear fuel cycle. They will also maintain and improve the supply chain and the cooperation to enhance the capacity building of nuclear power in newcomer countries.

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A part of this action plan is strengthening cooperation for safe long-term operation and safety improvement of existing nuclear reactors, as well as the steady decommissioning of nuclear power plants including the safety assurance for the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Stations, amongst others.

Japan and France will continue research and development cooperation to develop next-generation advanced reactors, particularly sodium-cooled fast reactors. Research institutes and private firms in both countries will collaborate for new technology and design development.

The two countries entered an agreement of cooperation on 26 February 1972.