Positioning of Nuclear Energy in Sustainable Energy Strategies
– Redefining from a Risk Management Perspective
Program Theme
The final theme that this program is oriented toward is the redefinition of the availability and positioning of nuclear energy
as an option to achieve a sustainable energy strategy for Japan,
aiming to realize both carbon neutrality and economic security in 2050.
The essential characteristic of nuclear energy is the existence of significant potential hazard
in terms of handling nuclear reactions and radioactive materials.
This feature exists consistently throughout the operation of nuclear power facilities, their decommissioning, and the disposal of radioactive waste.
On the other hand, the high energy density resulting from nuclear reactions is advantageous for generating electricity.
Furthermore, technologies are being developed to prevent the manifestation of risks.
In collaboration with the "Fastest Path to Zero Initiative" at the University of Michigan,
ranked first in the nation for nuclear energy education and research, this program will rethink nuclear energy technology
from the risk perspective and redefine its position in Japan's sustainable energy strategy.
We will conduct the following two activities to rethink nuclear energy technology
from a risk perspective and contribute to redefining its position in Japan's sustainable energy strategy.
Sub–Theme 1: Risk Management and Safety Regulation in General Reactor Decommissioning
Discussing the similarities and differences between Japan and the U.S. in terms of risk management,
such as identification of hazardous sources, risk management, and compatibility with economic efficiency,
as well as the thinking behind the risk, to find hints for safe progress in decommissioning of nuclear power reactors in Japan.
Sub–Theme 2: Will risk reduction technologies make nuclear energy acceptable?
To establish a forum for dialogue to discuss the direction of technological development that can convince the public of its safety.
Events
Decommissioning Workshop 1:
Statuses of Nuclear Decommissioning in Japan and in US – Knowing the Differences
(August 4, 2023)
Japan – U.S. Decommissioning Workshop Series
Workshop 2: Nuclear Facility Decommissioning Risk Reduction
The Value in Radioactive Waste Treatment
(February 9, 2024)
Risk Acceptance Workshop:
Dialogue Based on the Results of a Comparative Study of Attitude Formation Factors toward Nuclear Technology in Japan and US
(January – February 2024)
Organizers
Yutaka Watanabe
(Professor, Center for Fundamental Research on Nuclear Decommissioning / Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University)
Makoto Takahashi
(Professor, Center for Fundamental Research on Nuclear Decommissioning / Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University)
Todd Allen
(Professor, Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan)
Yugo Ashida
(CEO, JOINLU International Inc.)
Poster
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Co–hosted by
- Center for Fundamental Research on Nuclear Decommissioning, Tohoku University
- Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan
- JOINLU International Inc.
