As one of the outcomes from the National Coordinators Meeting of FNCA (Forum for Nuclear Co-operation in Asia) in March 04 in Tokyo, Japan, a Panel on the 'Role of Nuclear Energy for Sustainable Development in Asia' was initiated and the first Panel will be held in 20-22 October 2004 in Tokyo, Japan. The main purpose of the Panel is to exchange information on long-term energy policy of FNCA participating countries and to identify the role of nuclear energy for sustainable development in Asia.

FNCA plans to formulate long-term (up to 2030 and beyond, preferably by 2050) energy supply and demand outlooks of member countries and also in the region of South and Northeast Asia as a whole. The Panel will identify problems encountered in achieving sustainable development in Asia. The Panel will underline considerations on stable energy supplies, environmental preservation and economic competitiveness. The Panel hopes to clarify the role for nuclear energy for the sustainable development in Asia. Also, advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy will be analyzed compared to non-nuclear options. At the Panel, experts or senior officials responsible for nuclear energy policy, energy demand and supply strategy or environmental protection policy from China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam will participate and make country reports.

It is noted that IAEA/RCA has long been carrying out energy planning and assessment project as a Thematic Sector. In 2005-06 cycle, the IAEA/RCA project will focus on tracing future sustainability paths through nuclear and other energy options.

For further information, please visit FNCA website at www.fnca.jp/