Feb 21, 2025
Nuclear coalition aims at the EU's cost-effective energy strategy.
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Nuclear energy should be included in the EU's affordable energy action plan, and the European Commission must promote the advancement of this technology in Europe, as urged by 11 pro-nuclear European governments.
In a document released on Thursday evening, the alliance advocates for the EU plan to support 'low-carbon' power purchase agreements backed by EU financial guarantees.
The alliance argues that a sufficient amount of dispatchable power generation, like nuclear, which can adjust its output as needed, can help consistently meet energy demands while keeping costs down.
Additionally, the alliance requested that the Commission provide clarity on how it will apply the 'technology neutrality principle' and how it plans to 'create a supportive ecosystem' for new nuclear production capacities, which includes small modular reactors, new stations, and prolonging the operational lifespan of existing reactors.
The 'nuclear alliance' is an initiative led by France, established in 2023 to advocate for the interests of pro-nuclear energy nations at the EU level. It convened on Tuesday to consolidate its stance on crucial EU energy and clean industrial policies, set to be released on February 26.
However, crafting the joint statement took two days of adjustments. This delay was partly due to Belgium's decision to join as a full member, having previously held observer status alongside Italy.
The inclusion of Belgium alongside Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden required checks at various levels within the federal administration, a source told Euractiv.
Nonetheless, this development will not alter the balance of power within the EU Council. Pro- and anti-nuclear countries can obstruct each other's initiatives but currently lack the votes necessary to secure a qualified majority for decision-making.
Nuclear proponents throughout Europe are keenly observing the upcoming German federal elections, hoping to gain a vital ally in the Council.
The leading conservative candidates have sent mixed messages regarding nuclear energy, but they tend to be more supportive of the technology compared to the existing green-socialist administration.
In a document released on Thursday evening, the alliance advocates for the EU plan to support 'low-carbon' power purchase agreements backed by EU financial guarantees.
The alliance argues that a sufficient amount of dispatchable power generation, like nuclear, which can adjust its output as needed, can help consistently meet energy demands while keeping costs down.
Additionally, the alliance requested that the Commission provide clarity on how it will apply the 'technology neutrality principle' and how it plans to 'create a supportive ecosystem' for new nuclear production capacities, which includes small modular reactors, new stations, and prolonging the operational lifespan of existing reactors.
The 'nuclear alliance' is an initiative led by France, established in 2023 to advocate for the interests of pro-nuclear energy nations at the EU level. It convened on Tuesday to consolidate its stance on crucial EU energy and clean industrial policies, set to be released on February 26.
However, crafting the joint statement took two days of adjustments. This delay was partly due to Belgium's decision to join as a full member, having previously held observer status alongside Italy.
The inclusion of Belgium alongside Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden required checks at various levels within the federal administration, a source told Euractiv.
Nonetheless, this development will not alter the balance of power within the EU Council. Pro- and anti-nuclear countries can obstruct each other's initiatives but currently lack the votes necessary to secure a qualified majority for decision-making.
Nuclear proponents throughout Europe are keenly observing the upcoming German federal elections, hoping to gain a vital ally in the Council.
The leading conservative candidates have sent mixed messages regarding nuclear energy, but they tend to be more supportive of the technology compared to the existing green-socialist administration.