Deputy Secretary Poneman Delivers Remarks on Nuclear Power at Tokyo American Center in Japan

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Energy Deputy Secretary Daniel Poneman spoke at the Tokyo American Center today about nuclear power after Fukushima.

Excerpts and full text of remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below:

“As two of the nations responsible for pioneering the peaceful use of atomic energy, the United States and Japan share an opportunity – and a responsibility – to safely speed that transition. In fact, next week in the United States we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Experimental Breeder Reactor 1 in Idaho, which marked the first time that peaceful atomic energy was used to generate electricity. Our two nations are well positioned to build on this rich history as we look to benefit from the global economic and export opportunities in this field.”

“For decades, we have worked in close partnership with Japan on nuclear issues, ranging from preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons and confronting North Korea, to power generation and operational safety at civil nuclear plants, to deep commercial ties and industrial cooperation between Japanese and American companies.”

“The accident at Fukushima reminded the world of what we already knew – that nuclear safety must be our top priority, and that a nuclear accident anywhere is a nuclear accident everywhere. Any nuclear accident generates consequences around the world, and therefore it is our responsibility as a global community to learn from Japan’s experience.”

“As one of the few large-scale, carbon-free sources of energy available for deployment today, safe, secure nuclear power is an important part of that puzzle. Nuclear power can help meet the growing global demand for clean energy while creating new jobs, growing our economies, and at the same time, making our countries more energy secure.”

“This offers an important economic opportunity for the U.S.-Japan partnership in the global nuclear industry. By continuing to play a leading role globally, our companies can work together in ways that create new jobs and spur innovation in both nations.”

Deputy Secretary Poneman’s full remarks, as prepared for delivery, HERE.

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