Nuclear Policy Guidelines Back Next-Generation Reactor Deployment

On July 31, 2026, future nuclear energy policy was discussed and action guidelines were adopted at the 14th Ministerial Meeting on Nuclear Energy.

In light of the situation in the Middle East and growing electricity demand driven by AI, the policy is to advance nuclear energy policy as a response for securing energy that does not depend on specific regions, ensuring a stable supply, decarbonization, and growth.

Investment in nuclear power generation will be encouraged based on replacement prospects, accelerating operators' research and development and investment decisions.

Industry, academia, and government will cooperate to strengthen nuclear workforce development and reduce the burden on local governments that accept final disposal surveys.

To enable the early deployment of next-generation innovative reactors, NEDO's role will be expanded to cover decarbonized energy as a whole, and its funding function for research and development in nuclear and fusion energy will be strengthened.

Corporate development will be accelerated for the domestic deployment of SMRs, and JAEA's functions will be strengthened for safety research. The manufacturing capacity of nuclear component companies will be enhanced, and a workforce development roadmap will be created.

The basic policy for final disposal will be revised, and the burden on local governments that accept surveys will be reduced according to the nature of the surveys.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority explained institutional reforms, including streamlining reviews through advance confirmation of conformity with standards for earthquakes and other hazards, and establishing an independent administrative agency to respond to inspections and other matters at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant. The government will strengthen the regulatory framework, and Minister Akazawa will incorporate the measures into the package by the end of August.