Framatome in Japan

Framatome’s presence in Japan is rooted in a relationship of trust, strengthened by decades of Franco‑Japanese nuclear cooperation—technical, long‑standing, and strategic for both countries.

Framatome has been active in Japan for several decades in key areas: fuel for nuclear power and research reactors, heavy components for nuclear plants, safety equipment deployed as part of the post‑Fukushima upgrades in Japanese nuclear facilities, engineering services, collaboration on the sodium‑cooled fast reactor project, and the supply of zirconium components used in fuel manufacturing in Japanese facilities.

Framatome in Japan has two offices in Tokyo (Toranomon and Akasaka) with teams working closely alongside operators and suppliers.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has been a shareholder of Framatome since 2018, making it both a strategic investor and a partner in the fields of fuel and reactor technologies.

Franco‑Japanese nuclear cooperation is reinforced through close working relationships with Japanese utilities, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA), and MHI. Regular exchanges, site visits, and joint programs enhance the technical quality of projects and foster knowledge‑sharing.

Fuel and associated innovations

Framatome contributes to providing fuel solutions for Japanese PWR and BWR operators, thereby supporting the restart of Japan’s nuclear power plants. The company regularly presents its proven technical solutions to Japanese stakeholders, including its advanced, even more accident‑resistant fuels such as PROtect E‑ATF (Enhanced Accident Tolerant Fuels).

Equipment, modernization, and safety

Framatome supplies equipment and technical solutions in Japan, particularly those designed to enhance the safety of Japanese nuclear reactors.

Among these technologies is the modernization of the filtered containment venting system at Onagawa Unit 2. This system filters radioactive gases during severe accidents and reduces containment pressure to safe levels.

Framatome’s strategy is to offer solutions that complement local equipment, tailored to operators’ needs and supported by the company’s international track record.

Heavy components and supply chain

Framatome relies on its supplier Japan Steel Works (JSW) for the forging of components used in the heavy equipment of EPR reactor programs.

Cooperation on Sodium‑Cooled Fast Reactors

Following the December 2024 agreement, Framatome is contributing to the new development program for a sodium‑cooled fast reactor (SFR) demonstrator.

This cooperation aligns with the commitments reaffirmed in the joint statement issued during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Japan, in which both governments agreed to intensify “existing cooperation between research organizations and companies on R&D related to safety and design assessment in the field of fuel and reactor design technologies contributing to the development of sodium‑cooled fast reactors.”

At the request of Japanese partners, Framatome will provide feedback on this technology and on the architecture of such reactors. This new phase fits within the cooperation agreement on SFRs signed between French and Japanese authorities. Franco‑Japanese teams operate with a collaborative mindset and a strong commitment to mutual skills development.

Human and intercultural dimension

Framatome’s success in Japan is rooted on close collaboration between local teams and international experts. This cooperation is supported by:

• continuous dialogue with operators
• a detailed understanding of Japanese regulatory expectations
• a shared safety and transparency culture
• strong local roots reinforced by experienced, multilingual teams