Minister AKAZAWA Holds Meeting with H.E. Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

1. Energy policy and nuclear energy in general

Prior to the meeting, Minister AKAZAWA and Director General Grossi signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) on cooperation in the area of nuclear energy development and capacity building, including on small modular reactors (SMRs). Through the MoC, The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the IAEA agreed to support IAEA Member States considering the introduction of SMRs and advanced nuclear technologies through cooperation in infrastructure development and human resource development in each such country.

Minister AKAZAWA also explained Japan’s initiatives regarding its nuclear energy policy, including maximum utilization of existing reactors, development and deployment of next-generation advanced nuclear reactors, and acceleration of back-end processes, particularly the strengthening of the safeguards system ahead of the start of operations at the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant.

In response, Director General Grossi stated that the IAEA would continue to cooperate in line with the progress of Japan’s nuclear energy policy, including through initiatives based on the Memorandum of Cooperation.

2. Decommissioning of TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and ALPS treated water discharge

Minister AKAZAWA expressed his appreciation for the IAEA’s cooperation with Japan on its nuclear energy policy, as well as decommissioning efforts and discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea following the nuclear accident.

In response, Director General Grossi stated that the IAEA will continue its cooperation on Japan’s efforts.

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Divisions in Charge

• Nuclear Accident Response Office, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy
• Nuclear Energy Policy Planning Division, Electricity and Gas Industry Department, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy