State Minister Ino Attends Nuclear Energy Summit 2026

1. Nuclear Energy Summit 2026

On Tuesday, March 10, the Nuclear Energy Summit 2026 was held in Paris, France, with State Minister Ino attending.
The Summit was co-hosted by H.E. Emmanuel Macron, President of France, and H.E. Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

President Macron stated that the utilization of nuclear energy is important for energy security, and Director General Grossi expressed expectations for progress in support for nuclear energy financing. In addition, speeches were delivered by H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and by heads of state and government as well as ministerial-level representatives, from countries around the world that have an interest in the use of nuclear energy.

State Minister Ino stated that Japan, under a policy of maximizing the use of nuclear energy with the assurance of safety as a fundamental premise, will proceed with the restart of existing reactors, and will work to provide support for research and development toward the development and deployment of next-generation advanced reactors, maintain and strengthen the industrial base, and improve the investment environment. He also emphasized that Japan will make every effort toward the revitalization of Fukushima and the safe and steady decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and will continue to provide highly transparent information based on scientific evidence. Furthermore, he underscored that, in order to advance nuclear energy in a safe and sustainable manner, it is essential to promote international cooperation while ensuring nuclear safety, nuclear security, and nuclear non-proliferation.

As an outcome document of the Summit, the following joint statement was adopted.

• Joint Statement on Nuclear Energy
• Joint Statement on Nuclear Energy Financing

2. Meetings with key figures from participating countries and international organizations

(1) H.E. Nicolas Forissier, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, France

State Minister Ino expressed his expectation for further progress in bilateral cooperation between Japan and France in the sectors of critical minerals, startups, space, and nuclear energy.

Minister Forissier emphasized that, as France holds the G7 Presidency this year, it is important to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals among the G7 and between Japan and France. He welcomed the progress made in various areas of Japan-France cooperation, including the space and nuclear energy sectors, and expressed his expectation for the further deepening of bilateral cooperation.

(2) H.E. Martin McCluskey, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, United Kingdom

The two sides agreed to promote cooperation between Japan and the U.K. in the nuclear energy sector, particularly in the development of a demonstration reactor for high-temperature gas reactors and in research and development for small modular reactors (SMRs). They also shared views on the importance of human resources development and the challenges faced by both countries and confirmed the potential for broader cooperation.

(3) Ms. Valérie Levkov, Vice President for Infrastructure, World Bank

State Minister Ino welcomed the World Bank's announcement in 2025 lifting the restrictions on its support for nuclear energy financing, emphasized the importance of such financing, and expressed his expectation for initiatives by the World Bank aimed at capacity building.

Vice President Levkov expressed her expectation for Japan's leading role in the utilization of nuclear energy and stated her intention to further strengthen relations with Japan.

(4) H.E. IAEA Director General Grossi

State Minister Ino expressed his respect for Director General Grossi's leadership, especially in the safety reviews of the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, and stated that the objective activities of the IAEA based on international safety standards are important and that Japan will continue to cooperate with the IAEA.

Director General Grossi stated that, as part of the IAEA's responsibilities, it is important to ensure confidence in nuclear energy through engagement from an objective standpoint, and expressed his intention to continue to work closely with Japan to promote the safe use of nuclear energy.

3. Visit to Air Liquide

State Minister Ino visited the research facilities of Air Liquide, an industrial gas company, located in the Saclay area in the southwestern suburbs of Paris.

He was briefed on the company's initiatives related to research and development for hydrogen production, collaboration with Japanese companies, and the supply of materials for semiconductor manufacturing.

Division in Charge

Office for International Nuclear Energy Cooperation, Nuclear Energy Policy Planning Division, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy