EU Commission: Billions Needed for Expansion of Nuclear Power

Brussels – According to estimates by the EU Commission, investments of more than 240 billion euros will be required by 2050 for the planned expansion of nuclear power in the EU.

This money will be needed to realize the plans of some EU countries regarding nuclear power – both for extending the lifespan of existing reactors and for the construction of new large reactors, it was stated. Additional investments will be necessary for smaller reactors or nuclear fusion in the long term. Both public and private funding sources will be required.

Some EU countries like France and Belgium are heavily relying on nuclear power, Poland is entering the field anew and plans to start construction of its first nuclear power plant in 2028. Nuclear power is considered one of the low-CO sources of energy. Nuclear power plants are controversial mainly due to the high risks. According to EU treaties, each member state has the right to choose its own energy mix. In Germany, the last nuclear power plants were taken offline in April 2023.

EU Commission: “All CO2-free technologies are necessary”

According to estimates by the Commission, by 2040 more than 90 percent of electricity in the EU will come from decarbonized energy sources – primarily from renewable energy such as wind and solar power, but also from nuclear energy. All CO2-free and low-CO2 technologies are necessary to decarbonize Europe’s energy system, said the EU Commission. The President of the agency, Ursula von der Leyen, also called for an expansion of nuclear energy last year against the backdrop of the geopolitical situation. As an argument for her demand, von der Leyen specifically mentioned the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine.

The highest priority for the EU Commission is to ensure the highest standards in nuclear safety, hazard prevention, and security measures, it was stated. The same applies to the “safe and responsible disposal of radioactive waste.” The infrastructure for the disposal of radioactive waste and spent fuel elements must be further expanded. (June 15)