Statement by Takeshi Niinami, Chairperson of Keizai Doyukai on Survey Report for Final Disposal Site of High-level Radioactive Waste

November 22, 2024

Takeshi Niinami
Chairperson, Keizai Doyukai

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1. Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan (NUMO) has handed a report on the results of the first-phase survey to select a final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste to chiefs of Suttsu Town and Kamoenai Village in Hokkaido. The survey, so-called literature survey that looked into geological data and documents, was started in the two municipalities in November 2020 by NUMO, the owner of this project.
2. High-level radioactive waste has been already piling up as a result of using nuclear power plants, and the generations that received benefits from operating nuclear power plants must set a course toward a final disposal of the waste. Suttsu Town and Kamoenai Village accepted the nation's first survey after serious considerations on this important matter. We express our sincere respect to the efforts and decisions of the people involved.
3. Based on this report, explanatory meetings and symposiums are reportedly scheduled to be organized in various locations about disposal of high-level radioactive waste. Efforts should be made to gain thorough understanding of local communities through elaborate and meticulous explanations, while making various local voices carefully heard. Beyond that, we have a hope for dissemination of public awareness on the high-level radioactive waste issue, thereby leading to the expansion of the areas that receive surveys.
4. Under the discussions for drawing up the 7th Strategic Energy Plan, one of the key issues is how to use nuclear power. The final disposal of high-level radioactive waste--the last phase of the nuclear power generation cycle--is the challenge we cannot dodge. For making efforts further to address the challenge, Keizai Doyukai will pursue responsible actions through deliberations with various stakeholders.

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