A framework deal for increased collaboration in nuclear energy between Japan and the US has been signed.
The United States-Japan Joint Nuclear Energy Action Plan aims to increase energy security and management of nuclear waste, address nuclear non-proliferation and climate change, and advance the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP) initiative.
US energy secretary Samual Bodman said the deal formalises an agreement to collaborate in four main areas:
• Cooperation of nuclear energy research and development under GNEP;
• Collaboration on policies that support the construction of new nuclear power plants;
• Establishment of a nuclear fuel supply assurance mechanism; and
• Joint collaboration to support the safe and secure expansion of nuclear energy in interested countries while promoting non-proliferation, consistent with GNEP.
Implementation of the Action Plan will begin immediately. Both nations will establish six GNEP research and development working groups covering fast reactor technology; fuel cycle technology; small and medium reactors; and waste management among other areas.
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