The Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) has welcomed the interim report Japanese earthquake and Tsunami: Implications for the UK Nuclear Industry published by the Chief Nuclear Inspector, Dr. Mike Weightman.

The report fully recognises that the likelihood of a natural disaster on the scale experienced in Japan that caused the nuclear crisis at Fukushima is ‘far beyond the most extreme natural events that the UK would be expected to experience.’ Nonetheless, the industry is determined to rise to the challenge and examine the facts, determine the causes and apply lessons learned to nuclear operations in UK.

Dr. Weightman recognises the swift action taken by UK operators in examining their own practices, procedures and training in the ight of immediate lessons from Japan.

The importance of nuclear energy in the UK’s future energy mix is underlined by this report, last week’s report by Committee on Climate Change, and by the Secretary of State’s ministerial statement on this report.

Keith Parker, Chief Executive of the NIA said:

“The nuclear industry cannot be complacent, and will examine the report and its 26 recommendations thoroughly. As an industry we are committed to working with Government and the regulator in applying the lessons and recommendations of the report to ensure that high standards of safety are maintained, and where necessary, improved.”

"We are reassured by Dr Weightman’s conclusion that both existing nuclear plants in UK and new build designs are safe and well protected against even remote hazards. We agree with the Secretary of State that nuclear must continue to play an important role in the UK’s energy mix as a secure, low carbon energy supply. We must maintain momentum in our nuclear policy to continue planning for our energy future.”