EU energy chief seeks boost in nuclear investments

The European Commission will examine ways to facilitate investments in nuclear power plants, said Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, emphasising the role the technology can play in combating climate change.

Speaking at a European Nuclear Assembly conference in Brussels on 15 April, Piebalgs highlighted the “substantial investments” required for the EU to replace its ageing nuclear power plants – many of which will reach the end of their lifespan before 2030. 

Fresh investments are also vital to maintaining the safety and security of nuclear plants, which in turn is crucial to securing public and political acceptance for the industry’s long-term future, he stressed. 

“In order to make the necessary investments possible, the Commission is examining ways to address the difficulties related to licensing, financing and different nuclear liability regimes,” he said. 

He also called on national authorities to introduce safety regulations that facilitate public acceptance without hindering investment. Strengthened cooperation between member states on issues related to safety and security of installations and the treatment of nuclear waste is also needed, he noted. 

Nuclear power already provides more than a third of the EU’s energy needs, said the commissioner, pointing to its particular advantages as a “stable and reliable” source of energy, “relatively free” of price fluctuations. 

Oil prices set another record high of $114 a barrel on 15 April and Piebalgs said it was time “to recognise that a change has come with high and persistently high oil prices”. 

“Nuclear energy is part of the new energy mix of the European Union and will remain so. It will definitely help to address the three goals that we are always talking about: not only sustainability, not only less CO2, but it will also help with the security of supply,” he said. 

But the technology remains highly controversial in several countries. While France and Finland rely heavily on it, others like Austria, Ireland and Sweden formally oppose it, mainly due to concerns about the risk of accidents or improper waste management. 

In an attempt to cater for both sides, the Commission largely avoided the issue when it presented a new package of measures in January 2007, aimed at reducing the EU’s impact on global warming and its dependency on imported fuels. 

Recently, it has nevertheless started to speak out more strongly in favour of nuclear, departing from its traditionally “agnostic” stance on the issue which leaves the decision on whether or not to use nuclear energy up to member states. 

Read more with Euractiv

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