President Masui began by outlining the first Canada-Japan Nuclear Forum, held on June 19. The forum aimed at enhancing business exchanges between the nuclear industries of both countries. The event was described as “very successful,” featuring active discussions among 17 Canadian companies with 33 participants and 32 Japanese companies with 53 participants.
Masui also detailed additional activities, including lectures by representatives from both public and private sectors and panel discussions on technological and business aspects. Canadian representatives from national research institutions and universities engaged extensively with Japanese participating companies. Participants provided positive feedback, describing the forum as “extremely meaningful” and “a valuable opportunity for future collaboration.”
Highlighting Canada’s initiatives, Masui noted, “Canada has been particularly notable due to the Darlington New Nuclear Projects, where the West’s first commercial SMR (BWRX-300, 300 MW) project is underway. This forum provided a significant opportunity to deepen mutual understanding of nuclear policies and industry conditions, exploring the potential for future business collaboration.” He emphasized JAIF’s continued commitment to cooperation with the nuclear industry and related organizations.
In response to a question regarding why Japan has made less concrete progress in SMR deployment compared to Canada, Masui explained, “Securing new nuclear sites is realistically challenging in Japan, so the effective utilization of existing reactor sites is a fundamental premise. Therefore, development is prioritized for next-generation high-temperature gas reactors and larger reactors, where pathways for deployment are clearer.” Additionally, Masui noted that Canada’s regulatory body has already issued design approval for SMRs (BWRX-300), leveraging certifications obtained in the U.S., thereby simplifying and streamlining some review procedures. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between nuclear regulatory agencies in both countries.
Masui also welcomed the full enforcement of the GX Decarbonization Power Source Act on June 6, describing it as “highly significant and very welcome for the nuclear industry.” Reflecting on his statements during the Nuclear Subcommittee meeting on June 24, where he served as an expert member, Masui reiterated the need for further clarification of nuclear power generation forecasts and more comprehensive examination of financing and investment recovery models.
