Press Conference by Minister Saito (Excerpt)

*Note: This is a provisional translation for reference purposes only.

10:42 to 10:46
Friday, September 27, 2024
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

None

Question-and-Answer Session

Delivery of spent nuclear fuel to the interim storage facility

Q: I have one question.
Yesterday, September 26, spent nuclear fuel was for the first time delivered from Tokyo Electric Power’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station to the interim storage facility in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture. What is your impression of the forthcoming start of operation of the facility.
Also, as regards the clarification of the delivery destination of spent nuclear fuel, which Aomori’s governor is calling for, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is planning to present a concrete proposal under the next Strategic Energy Plan. Please bring us up to date on the status of the discussion in METI.

A: Regarding the interim storage facility located in Mutsu City, Aomori Prefecture, I have been informed that one container in which spent nuclear fuel was placed was delivered from Tokyo Electric Power’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station for the final pre-use inspection by the facility’s operator, which is expected to take place.
Establishing a nuclear fuel cycle requires all the related facilities that constitute it to ensure steady operation. The launch of operations of the Mutsu interim storage facility, which is one of those facilities, is a critically important policy challenge. We would like to urge the facility’s operator to continue preparing for the start of the operation with safety as its utmost priority.
As for the location where the spent nuclear fuel placed in interim storage will be delivered in the future, as I told Governor Miyashita in July, we are now conducting a study so that we can present a concrete proposal under the next Strategic Energy Plan, which is now under discussion by the council.

Support for Rapidus

Q: I would like to ask you about the semiconductor company Rapidus.
Yesterday, a media report said that the three megabanks and Development Bank of Japan plan to make investments totaling 25 billion yen in Rapidus. Is METI keeping track of this development? Also, if the report is correct, I expect that this is a favorable development for Rapidus as it looks to raise funds which will facilitate its environment for mass production. What is the reaction of METI?

A: First, I am aware of the media report but the banks in question have not formally made an announcement. Therefore, it would not be appropriate for the government to remark on this matter, so please allow me to refrain from commenting. That being said, it is very significant that Rapidus is starting to coordinate with private companies in earnest to raise funds in preparation for the start of mass production in 2027.
While collaborating with such activities of the private sector, the government is aiming for the earlier submission of a bill to the Diet to provide necessary support, including investments and loans.

Japan-Republic of Korea Joint Committee on the Continental Shelf

Q: I would like to ask you about the sixth meeting of the Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Joint Committee on the Continental Shelf, which will be held today.
The Japan-ROK agreement on the southern part of the continental shelf is set to expire four years from now, so it will become possible, starting in June next year, for either country to notify the other of its intention to let the agreement lapse. The ROK side is calling for the extension of the agreement, citing the resource development potential of the zone covered by it. Please tell me your view regarding the zone in question. I would also like to ask you what kind of discussion you expect will be held at the meeting.

A: First, the Japan-ROK Joint Committee on the Continental Shelf is a working-level committee based on the Japan-ROK agreement on joint development of the southern part of the continental shelf.
Regarding the joint development zone that you mentioned, geophysical exploration and test drilling were conducted after the agreement came into force; however, oil and natural gas reserves have not been found in commercially feasible amounts. Therefore, at present, my understanding is that development is not ongoing.
We have decided to hold the committee meeting today under the understanding that it is appropriate for Japan and South Korea to confirm the current situation with respect to the agreement.
Out of respect to our relationship with the counterparty country, I would like to refrain from commenting on the content of the discussion.