The Japanese nuclear industry has undergone a period of significant upheaval following the Fukushima Daiichi accident in March 2011. The accident brought into focus the need to consider nuclear decommissioning both at Fukushima Daiichi, and potentially at other nuclear plants in the future. Japan is at the beginning of the decommissioning process, and as the mechanics of how this will be organised and funded are being worked out, it is a good time to enter the market. Knowledge of the UK’s experience and capability in nuclear decommissioning has been growing in Japan, and there is a keenness to learn from the projects we have carried out.

TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company), the operators of the Fukushima Dai-ichi power plant has been restructured, and an internal decommissioning arm has been created. Recognising the depth of UK experience, the Chief Decommissioning Officer of this organisation signed an MoU with Sellafield Ltd. during the visit of Prime Minister Abe to the UK in May 2014.

The Japanese Government’s Decommissioning Roadmap gives the plan for decommissioning, and provides an idea of the areas of interest and when specific capabilities will be required. UK technology, and experience in decommissioning project and programme management are being sought. Specialist technologies, with a proven track record (particularly if it has been used at Sellafield) are of great interest, as is experience in running large decommissioning projects.

Requests for Proposals (RFP) are now being issued on behalf of the Japanese Government, most recently on the separation of tritiated water (http://www.mri.co.jp/english/news/rc20140515_e.html). An RFP for innovative methods of fuel debris removal is expected to be issued in mid-June.

Please note that Nuclear is a sensitive issue in Japan. The Department for International Trade team in Japan can advise you of the best way to go about building trust and relationships here, so please do get in touch with us.