Member Article

Britain and Japan agree nuclear pact

Britain’s nuclear market will be open to Japanese companies, after an agreement was signed yesterday by David Cameron. The move, done on the Prime Minister’s first official visit to Japan paves the way for Japanese companies to help build nuclear power stations in Britain.

So what exactly have the Japanese got to offer?

The agreement pinpointed: “Japanese companies technical expertise in new plant design and construction”, to be the key benefit we derive from the arrangement. That is not to say however, that the British lack any sort of nuclear proficiency, and the agreement also notes: “the UK’s decommissioning and waste-management experience and technology”, to be an advantage Japan will gain.

Thus the arrangement is believed to benefit both the UK and Japan, with each country gaining something it previously lacked, in the deal.

Good news for jobseekers!

The move will of course, also open up plenty of nuclear jobs and careers in the UK. In a tough employment market, many will argue this to be the best perk of the deal. Especially since it has recently emerged nuclear giants RWE and E.ON have dropped plans to build new nuclear reactors in the UK. A total of 800 permanent jobs were to be created at each site, before the scheme, entitled the Horizon Project, was shelved. In addition, over 10,000 people were expected to be employed during constructions. While the Japanese agreement is no substitute for Horizon, it is somewhat positive considering the potential of job opportunities it will bring.

The initiative, confirmed during the Prime Minister’s trip to Japan is therefore positive for a number of reasons. Not only will the UK benefit from Japanese companies’ technical expertise, but a number of jobs will also arise for those seeking careers in the nuclear sector. Furthermore, the coming together of two nations for the cause of progress is always a good sight to behold; and with both countries carrying admirable qualities, the sharing of each other’s knowledge can only bring forth constructive consequences.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jonny Marshall .