Summary of ERIA Supporting Study Project FY2024 on ‘Organising a Workshop to Promote Stakeholder Involvement in a Nuclear Host Community’

Several Asian countries are considering the introduction or expansion of nuclear power to meet rising energy demand while advancing climate goals. However, weak stakeholder engagement and limited public acceptance remain major barriers to the successful deployment and operation of nuclear programmes. While the United States and Europe draw on decades of regulatory experience and community engagement, Asian contexts are more diverse and politically sensitive. Following the Fukushima Daiichi accident, several countries in the region scaled back or abandoned nuclear plans, and even in Japan – where capacity factors were once high – reactor restarts have faced prolonged delays.

Strengthening stakeholder engagement in Japan and across ASEAN therefore requires structured and sustained exchange of practical experience. This report summarises a policy dialogue involving representatives from established nuclear-hosting municipalities in developed countries, Japanese host communities, and opinion leaders from ASEAN Member States. It distils lessons learned, identifies transferable best practices, and presents actionable policy recommendations for building durable public trust and improving the social foundations of nuclear energy programmes in Asia.