Leaders from the European nuclear industry have published a manifesto outlining their priorities for the newly elected European Commission and Parliament.
They emphasize the crucial role nuclear energy plays in ensuring secure and affordable energy for the EU.
Building on Recent Recognition of Nuclear Energy
The manifesto highlights the Nuclear Alliance of EU Member States’ commitment to expanding nuclear energy, with a goal of increasing capacity to 150 GW by 2050.
This aligns with the Net Zero Nuclear initiative, which aims to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050. The manifesto also acknowledges the recent support for nuclear energy from the European Commission and Parliament.
Key Policy Recommendations for Net-Zero Future
To achieve a net-zero future, the manifesto urges European institutions to develop an ambitious strategy to accelerate the decarbonization and electrification of Europe’s industry. This strategy should recognize the significant role of nuclear energy in enhancing the EU’s strategic autonomy.
Specific policy recommendations include:
- Equal treatment for all net-zero technologies: Ensuring a level playing field for nuclear energy alongside other renewable sources.
- Consistent and coherent policies: Facilitating the deployment of nuclear energy through streamlined regulations and supportive frameworks.
- Access to EU funds and finance: Enabling nuclear projects to benefit from EU financial instruments and programs.
- Inclusion of the nuclear fuel cycle in the Sustainable Finance Taxonomy: Recognizing the importance of the entire nuclear fuel cycle for sustainable energy production.
- Fair taxation policies: Ensuring that low-carbon technologies like nuclear are not disadvantaged by discriminatory taxes.
- Support for innovative nuclear technologies: Enabling access to EU funds beyond the Euratom program and increasing support for nuclear research.
- Investment in a skilled nuclear workforce: Developing and retaining a skilled workforce to ensure the safe and efficient operation of nuclear facilities.
Call for Collaboration
The manifesto emphasizes the importance of collaboration between European institutions, EU member states, and the nuclear community to overcome the significant challenges facing the industry.
Yves Desbazeille, Director General of Nucleareurope, calls for future policy proposals to focus on overarching goals like decarbonization, competitiveness, and energy sovereignty, rather than specific technologies.
Nuclear energy currently generates electricity in 14 of the 27 EU member states, providing 25% of Europe’s electricity and 50% of its low-carbon electricity.
The manifesto highlights this vital role and advocates for continued investment and support to ensure a secure, affordable, and sustainable energy future for the European Union.