13 Oct (NucNet): The Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF) says its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy remains firm and will not be affected in any way by North Korea’s recent nuclear test.
JAIF, a non-profit organisation which promotes nuclear energy, said Japan’s nuclear industry is determined to contribute even more aggressively to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to non-proliferation.
Japan proves its commitment to non-proliferation and to the peaceful use of nuclear energy through nuclear inspections carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency and under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, to which Japan is a party, said JAIF. Japanese law strictly limits the country’s nuclear research, development and utilisation to peaceful purposes.
JAIF added that the international community, especially Asian nations with growing economies, need nuclear energy as an indispensable energy source that can contribute to sustainable development.
Japan has 55 nuclear units in commercial operation. One unit, the 246-megawatt (MW) Monju fast breeder unit, is in long-term shut-down. Another, the 866 MW pressurised water reactor unit Tomari-3 in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido, is under construction.
>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
Japan And US Agree On ‘Basic Cooperation’ Under GNEP Programme (News No. 100, 12 May 2006)
Japan’s Nuclear Share Could Exceed 40 Percent By 2030, Says Report (News No. 103, 16 May 2006)
