We are now in the midst of a major revolution of the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This is a movement to maximize the use of nuclear energy, with safety as a major premise, toward the realization of a decarbonized society, which is a common challenge for all humankind, discussed from various angles with a sense of concrete time frame both in Japan and abroad.

In response to these major trends, JAEA established the new vision in April 2023. It is a clear statement of the direction of R&D that JAEA should challenge in the future, and consists of the following three areas:

• Synergy: R&D for pursuing synergy of nuclear and renewable energies;
• Sustainable: R&D for making nuclear energy itself sustainable; and
• Ubiquitous: R&D for applying nuclear technology widely to society, not limited to the energy field.

As for “Synergy”, we have been developing high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, which are deemed to be a promising option for decarbonizing industrial areas along with renewable energies. In March 2024, we succeeded in demonstrating the autonomous stability of an HTTR through the world’s first safety demonstration tests simulating a severe accident in a reactor operating at 100% output power using the HTTR installed at the Oarai Research and Development Institute. We are also developing uranium redox-flow batteries which have nearly infinite durability to more efficiently store electricity generated by renewable energy sources.

In the area of “Sustainable”, we have taken on the challenge of a new theme of the volume reduction of high-level radioactive waste and recycling it as a resource, while also developing technologies for the safe decommissioning of existing nuclear facilities. Specifically, as for the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, we have steadily fulfilled our role as a third party to ensure the conformity of ALPS-treated water discharged into the sea. We have also begun preliminary preparation work to analyze the properties of fuel debris, a precondition for the planned removal, treatment and disposal of fuel debris.

For “Ubiquitous”, we are working toward the medical use of Ac-225 (Actinium), which is highly effective in cancer treatment, for which expectations are growing, by making utmost effort to improve the environment, establish cooperative relationships with relevant entities, and plan to restart an experimental fast reactor Joyo which will serve as the core facility.

We have yet to comprehend the full potential of nuclear energy. In this sense, we are at the forefront of innovation every day to create new value.

We will persevere in our efforts to achieve our mission to contribute to welfare and prosperity of human society through nuclear science and technology by accurately catching the needs of society, responding flexibly to change, and fully demonstrating our capabilities.

Thank you for your continued understanding and support.

President KOGUCHI Masanori