UK, Japan, and Canada Publish Fusion Regulatory Framework Recommendations
Through the Agile Nations, a non-binding inter-governmental network, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada published initial suggestions for a multi-national fusion regulatory framework. The network, consisting of government representatives and technical experts, suggested recommendations on how to develop an appropriate regulatory framework for fusion energy facilities. The group recognized the importance and viability of fusion power as a global opportunity, and recommends that fusion regulations should be pro-innovation, risk-informed, and transparent.
Here are the five recommendations:
- We recommend the recognition of the important contribution that fusion energy could make to the global challenges of climate change and energy security.
- We recommend all nations start developing clarity on a regulatory framework that would apply to fusion energy facilities independent of the fusion technology.
- We recommend nations recognise the benefits of a harmonised approach to fusion regulation being adopted by several nations.
- We recommend the development of a regulatory framework for fusion energy that maintains appropriate protections for people and the environment, proportionate to the hazards of fusion energy while remaining transparent and pro-innovation.
- We recommend nations recognise the importance of assuring the public that the levels of protection are suitable and consider how this can be achieved.
You can find more details about the recommendations here.
The Agile Nations is an inter-governmental regulatory network designed to foster cooperation on innovative regulatory practice. The Agile Nations working group on fusion energy is comprised of the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada as members with Singapore and Bahrain as observers.