Japanese Ambassador visits Dounreay

1st October 2016

His Excellency, Mr Koji Tsuruoka, Ambassador of Japan to the United Kingdom, Mr Yosuki Ishigami from the Economic Section of the Japanese Embassy and Mr Daisuke Matsunaga, Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh visited Dounreay during a two-day visit to the north of Scotland as a guest of Dr Paul Monaghan MP.

At Dounreay the group toured the Prototype Fast Reactor (PFR), including the reactor hall. Following this, they visited a local supplier, JGC Engineering, based outside Thurso, Caithness. They heard how 6 local companies are involved in a DSRL project to remove used fuel from the Dounreay Fast Reactor (DFR).

The trip included a visit to Global Energy Group at the Nigg Energy Park to see work carried out by renewables companies Atlantis and Meygen which will bring forward energy production from the seas off the north of Scotland, the Pentland Firth.

Dr Monaghan is vice-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Japan and stated his key message to the Ambassador is that his constituency has a “fantastically innovative economy, a well-trained, motivated and qualified workforce, access to major ports and sea channels and, above all, we are open for business.”

Ambassador Tsuruoka said:I am in northern Scotland for the first time and very happy with the wonderful weather and fantastic scenery. I was impressed by the high quality of workmanship supported by to dedication to work. The development of renewable energy at Global Energy Group and the ongoing decommissioning work at Dounreay contributes to energy security around the world. I applaud their hard work and commitment that demonstrates the spirit of Scotland.