TOKYO: Climate, energy and environment ministers from the Group of Seven advanced economies are considering stressing the importance of nuclear power for energy security in a joint statement to be issued after a meeting later this month, according to a draft reviewed by Jiji Press on Friday.

The statement is likely to note that the G-7 countries welcome Japan’s plan to release treated water from the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant into the ocean in a transparent way in close coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency, according to the draft.

The G-7 climate, energy and environment ministers are scheduled to meet in Sapporo in the northern Japan prefecture of Hokkaido on April 15-16.

Japan’s parliament is currently deliberating legislation that would extend the life of nuclear plants beyond 60 years as the government aims to ensure stable electricity supply and promote decarbonization at the same time.

Britain and France are accelerating construction of new nuclear plants. The development of a small modular reactor is underway in the United States.

Germany, which is expected to complete the shutdown of all nuclear plants in the country this month, opposes highlighting the importance of nuclear power.

In the face of German opposition, some are calling for the statement to say that nuclear power is important to countries opting to use the energy.

The Japanese government plans to start the release of water from the Fukushima nuclear plant this spring or summer. The plan draws opposition from the local fishery industry and raises concerns from some countries including China.

The draft also spelled out plans for countries opting to use nuclear power to cooperate in developing and building small modular reactors and next-generation reactors. Plans for cooperation in building nuclear industry supply chains are also included.

JIJI Press