Masui referred again to his remarks at the nuclear energy subcommittee on November 20, which had been released as a president’s message. Regarding the next Strategic Energy Plan, under consideration by the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE), he pointed to the following three major requests:

  • Removal of the language “reducing dependency on nuclear power” in the current Strategic Energy Plan.
  • Clearly stating a required nuclear capacity and timeline.
  • Clearly stating a policy for development of a business environment, including
    funding and returns on investment.

He then described the plan as important, saying it “will greatly affect decision
making by private operators.”

Regarding the Nuclear Industry Trends Report, one of JAIF’s flagship publications, Masui emphasized the significance of continuing it steadily. The 2024 report released this time covers FY23, when 12 nuclear power plants were in operation in Japan. A questionnaire survey was distributed to 318 companies who are JAIF members, with 243 valid responses received, tabulated and analyzed. Outlining the survey results, Masui said that expenditures by power operators were JPY2.051 trillion, up 12% year on year. Regarding member companies’ plans for human resource recruitment and deployment, 84% of respondents indicated plans to either expand or maintain the status quo. Similarly, 94% of respondents stated that they plan to expand or maintain the current status of their nuclear power business. The results show a perception that these areas are on par with last year.

In terms of business sentiment in the nuclear industry (good, average, bad), responses were good, 9% (8% last year), and average, 48% (44% last year). Since FY2020 (the 2021 report), both responses have increased. Masui indicated he thought it’s been moderating gradually due to concerns about security measures and climate change measures.

President Masui also talked about COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 24. Comparing it to the previous COP28, he stressed that including the value of nuclear energy as a low-carbon power source in an official document was “a historical turning point.” Multiple side events were also held during the time of COP29.

Senior Managing Director UETAKE Akihito, who attended COP29 as well as COP28 and gave presentations at both, was at the press conference. In response to a question from a reporter, he praised the fact that “the momentum for nuclear promotion last year is being maintained.” He also said the younger generation was particularly active.