The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) decided the Framework for Nuclear Energy Policy in 2005, in which, a portfolio of actions for developing safe and secure nuclear energy across three different time frames; near-term, medium-term and long-term are presented under the recognition that such development does and will contribute to global energy security, while simultaneously addressing the climate change challenge.

 In recent days, due to steady increase in the primary energy consumption worldwide, energy security is becoming a major global concern. Simultaneously, it has been recognized that a major reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions is required to combat climate change. In May 2007, Japanese government presented to the world an initiative to address global warming entitled "Invitation to Cool Earth 50," under which a target of cutting global emission of greenhouse-gases by 50% from the current level by the year 2050 was proposed. In the Heiligendamm G8 summit 2007 declaration, "Growth and Responsibility in the World Economy," it is mentioned that the decisions made by European Union, Canada and Japan which include at least a halving of global emissions of greenhouse-gases by 2050 will be considered seriously in setting a global goal for emissions reductions.

 Considering such circumstances, AEC set up in June 2007, Round-table Conference on the Vision for Nuclear Energy Policy for Global Environmental Protection and Security of Energy Supply, chaired by Dr. Ryoichi Yamamoto, Professor of Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo, to discuss about 1) role of nuclear energy in secure energy supply and a halving of greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050, 2) international approaches for the promotion of peaceful use of nuclear energy, 3) development and commercialization of nuclear energy technologies that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions.

 In March, 2008, AEC received from the Conference a report entitled "Actions Japan Should Take for the Expansion of Nuclear Energy Use in the World as a Measure against Global Warming," which is attached to this sheet. The AEC holds the contents of the report in high regard and considers that the relevant administrative organizations should take actions proposed in this report.


Final Report(873KB)