A government panel held its first meeting Monday to find a new operator for the Monju prototype fast-breeder reactor, as recommended by the National Regulation Authority.

The panel, set up by the education and science ministry, aims to conclude discussions and report its decision to the NRA within six months.

"We will make a decision on a new operator based on (the panel members') expert knowledge," education and science minister Hiroshi Hase said at the beginning of the meeting.