In line with the government’s Fusion Energy Innovation Strategy— developed by the Integrated Innovation Strategy Promotion Council—the Japan Fusion Energy Council (J-Fusion) was established in March 2024 at the behest of the Cabinet Office, in order to promote the industrialization of fusion energy.
That initiative—motivated by advancements in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project—aims to encourage active participation from the domestic private sector toward demonstrating future fusion-based power generation.
Consequently, efforts began in May 2024 to formulate the draft for the Basic Concept for Fusion Energy Safety, which clarifies the legal position of fusion devices. Since tritium will be used as fuel, and as radiation emissions are anticipated, the report indicates that such installations would fall under the purview of the Act on the Regulation of Radioisotopes and Related Substances.
Considering various global approaches toward realizing fusion energy, as well as the possibility of constructing pilot plants or prototype reactors in the next few years, the draft aims to enhance predictability, fostering active participation from the private sector.
The draft also identifies such critical issues as legal frameworks, organizational structures for safety regulations, the accumulation of knowledge, and security and nonproliferation concerns. In addition, it underscores the necessity of promptly initiating discussions, including dialogues with regulatory authorities, to establish a robust safety framework.
On February 26, the Nuclear Regulation Authority of Japan (NRA) addressed that topic at its regular meeting, at which it agreed to invite stakeholders for public hearings to discuss current developments in fusion energy technology, as well as the prospects for the future prospects.
