Osaka, 23 May 2024: ERIA and IEEJ (The Institute of Energy Economics) recently convened a symposium titled ‘Thinking About Nuclear Power from an Electricity Consuming Area’ in Osaka. The event gathered experts and stakeholders from Japan and around the globe to discuss the role of nuclear power in energy consumption and the perspectives of municipalities hosting nuclear facilities.

The symposium featured a lineup of speakers from various sectors and countries, contributing to a rich exchange of opinions and insights on nuclear power safety, security, meeting climate goals, and public acceptance. Japanese representatives included a Director from the Office for Regional Relations for Nuclear Facilities in the Japanese Government, a Chief Researcher from the Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth (RITE), the Vice-chair of the Kansai Economic Federation, the Chairperson of the Tsuruga Branch of the Fukui Council for Peaceful Use of Nuclear Power, and the Vice-chair of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

From the United States, two co-founders of ‘Mothers for Nuclear, ’ a US-based environmental nonprofit advocating for nuclear energy from the perspectives of mothers and nuclear engineers, shared their insights. The symposium also welcomed a Finnish delegate of the Consultative Commission on Industrial Change at the European Economic and Social Committee, a former member of the European Parliament who has transitioned from opposing to supporting nuclear energy. Representing the United Kingdom were a sector lead of Nuclear and Aerospace at Somerset Council, which hosts the under-construction Hinkley Point C, and a senior lecturer from the Nuclear Futures Institute at Bangor University, part of the Menai Science Park in Wales.

The symposium focused on how nuclear power can be understood and managed from the standpoint of electricity-consuming areas and host municipalities. The dialogue aimed to foster a mature societal understanding of nuclear energy. Following the event, several policy proposals were formulated to enhance communication and integration of nuclear power in local and broader contexts. It was emphasised that it is crucial for the government, businesses, and third-party communicators to provide accurate information from their respective standpoints, sharing the value of nuclear power within the context of energy self-sufficiency and environmental issues. Continuous public trust requires the transparent disclosure of information by all stakeholders.

Economic benefits, including local business participation in the nuclear supply chain, job creation, and support for other industries, are vital for the successful hosting of nuclear power plants in local communities. Additionally, industry should maintain close communication with local communities, ensuring they act as ‘good neighbors.’ Establishing academic institutions in siting locations and encouraging youth participation in the nuclear industry can generate employment and advance nuclear technology. For local acceptance of nuclear facilities, the government must consistently maintain nuclear policies and articulate a positive future for nuclear power. Finally, understanding nuclear power should be a collective effort involving the government, businesses, and the broader society, fostering a culture of fact-based discussions.

Joining the symposium panelists and discussions, Dr Venkatachalam Anbumozhi, Senior Research Fellow for Innovations at ERIA, and Tatsuya Terazawa, Chairman and CEO of the Institute of Energy Economics, jointly emphasised the call to action for all stakeholders to contribute to a well-informed and balanced approach to nuclear power, ensuring its role in addressing future energy challenges.