Global Nuclear Operators Commit to Strengthening Continuous Improvement Culture at the WANO Biennial General Meeting in Tokyo

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WANO, PUBLISHED 30.09.2026

WANO hosted its 18th Biennial General Meeting (BGM) in Tokyo, Japan, from Monday 28 September to Wednesday 30 September 2026.

The conference brought together industry leaders worldwide under the theme, "Fostering a Continuous Improvement Culture."

The BGM is one of the most significant gatherings in the commercial nuclear power industry, bringing together nuclear leaders from around the world to share knowledge, address common challenges and help shape the future direction of the sector.

More than 400 delegates from 38 countries and areas came together to network, share information and support one another in maximising nuclear safety and reliability worldwide.

Dr Naoki Chigusa, WANO Chief Executive Officer, stated:

"The nuclear industry continues to deliver strong safety performance, but sustaining excellence requires continuous improvement.

This conference demonstrated the strength of our members' collective commitment to learning, collaboration and excellence.

By harnessing advanced data analytics, digital technologies and AI-powered capabilities,

WANO and its members are transforming how performance is understood, monitored and improved. With enhanced Performance Monitoring now deployed across more than 400 nuclear plants and facilities worldwide, we have an unprecedented ability to identify trends, share operating experience and support timely action.

Our focus now is to ensure that continuous improvement is not simply an initiative, but a deeply embedded mindset that drives every decision, at every level, across the global nuclear industry."

Participants discussed how the industry can strengthen organisational learning and ensure that operational experience gained anywhere in the world benefits operators everywhere.

Nuclear operators from around the world reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening performance, supported by international collaboration, as the industry faces evolving technologies and operating challenges.

Dr Chigusa added:

"I am delighted with the strong participation, collaboration and support shown by industry leaders here in Tokyo.

The collective resolve demonstrated during this meeting reflects an industry that is looking ahead, committed not only to maintaining high standards, but to continuously redefining what excellence looks like in nuclear operations.

As nuclear energy expands globally, success will depend on our ability to learn faster, collaborate more deeply and translate insight into action.

WANO will continue to evolve to meet these needs, providing members with both robust performance insights and practical support that helps turn ambition into sustained operational excellence."

The conference agenda featured a range of strategic topics designed to support members in strengthening performance worldwide.

Member CEOs participated in a series of panel discussions covering industry performance trends, the impact of innovation and AI on efficiency and productivity, developments in the global supply chain, and the opportunities presented by SMRs and other emerging technologies.

The BGM was supported by like-minded international organisations and included a video message from Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as well as speeches and panel contributions from William D. Magwood IV, Director General of the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), and Sama Bilbao y Leon, Director General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA).

Jose Gago, Chair of WANO, commented:

"One of WANO's greatest strengths is the diversity of its membership. Across regions, technologies and operating environments, our members are united by a common purpose: achieving the highest standards of nuclear safety and operational excellence.

The discussions throughout this meeting have demonstrated not only the strength of that commitment, but also a recognition that the future success of our industry will depend on deeper collaboration, openness in sharing experience and a relentless commitment to learning.

Together, we are building a stronger global nuclear community, one that is equipped to support an expanding industry while maintaining the highest levels of performance of the current operational fleet.

We extend our sincere thanks to our hosts, TEPCO, FEPC, the Japanese Nuclear Operators (JNOs) and the WANO Tokyo Centre for their support and hospitality in making this BGM a success."

The next WANO Biennial General Meeting will be held in Shanghai, China, in 2028 and will be hosted by the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).

Topics: WANO

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