Squeezing Russia Out of Nuclear Power in Lingen: Anti-Nuclear Activists Lobby for a Cut-Off
Antagonists of nuclear energy advocate for the termination of collaboration with Russia. - Hopeful anti-nuclear factions seek cessation of collaboration with Russia
Anti-nuclear enthusiasts are pushing for an end to the partnership between the nuclear fuel factory in Lingen, a German town in Emsland, and Russian nuclear conglomerates. Bettina Ackermann of the anti-nuclear organization "Ausgestrahlt" states, "Inviting the Russian nuclear authority Rosatom into nuclear fuel production in Lingen contradicts the welcoming objectives of the EU Commission." The upcoming federal government must reject this proposal.
The objective of the EU Commission is to completely halt Russian gas imports into the European Union by 2027's conclusion. In June, members are set to receive action plans, as per a Strasbourg-presented plan. The EU Commission further intends to propose measures against Russian imports of enriched uranium in the nuclear energy sector and plans restrictions on new uranium, enriched uranium, and other nuclear material supply contracts from Russia.
In 2024, Lingen received nearly 69 tons of uranium from Russia. Last year, the factory received 68.8 tons of uranium from Russia - a roughly 66 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to the Lower Saxony Ministry of the Environment, following a request.
Christian Meyer, Lower Saxony's Minister of the Environment (Greens), demanded cut-offs in early 2025, agreeing to reduce reliance on Russian uranium, as per the coalition agreement. He also demanded sanctions, arguing against business with "war monger" Putin, especially in the sensitive nuclear sector. "The Russian president wants to significantly expand Russia's influence. This is extremely dangerous," Meyer added.
The nuclear fuel factory in Lingen falls under the French state-owned company Framatome. Its subsidiary, Advanced Nuclear Fuels GmbH (ANF), stationed in Lingen, plans to produce nuclear fuel for Russian reactor types in the factory.
- Lingen
- Anti-nuclear activists
- Germany
- EU Commission
- Russia
- Federal government
- Rosatom
- Putin
In 2023, Framatome entered a joint venture with Russia's TVEL to manufacture fuel assemblies for VVER reactors in Lingen, under the name "European Hexagonal Fuel SAS." However, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, plans shifted to Framatome-sole production, still operating under TVEL's license. This arrangement allows Framatome to produce final fuel assemblies for VVER-type reactors in Europe, potentially lessening the need for direct Russian fuel imports.
The EU Commission's actions to cease Russian uranium and nuclear fuel imports highlight challenges in fully severing ties with Russian influence in the nuclear sector. Rosatom remains an essential component of the joint venture as it serves as the license holder and sub-supplier, potentially deepening its integration into the European supply chain. Concerns rise about Rosatom retaining technological, commercial influence, and access to strategic decision-making through its participation.
The EU strives to improve energy security and reduce reliance on Russian supplies, making partnerships like the one between Framatome and TVEL subject to scrutiny. While these arrangements aim to maintain fuel supply chains, they also risk consolidating Russia's influence over European nuclear energy infrastructure. Developing new, non-Russian fuel supply chains for VVER reactors remains vital for enhancing Europe's energy independence.
- The joint venture between Framatome and Russia's TVEL in Lingen, aiming to manufacture fuel assemblies for VVER reactors, has raised concerns among anti-nuclear activists in Germany.
- The European Union Commission's efforts to halt Russian uranium and nuclear fuel imports point towards the challenges involved in severing ties with Russian influence in the nuclear sector.
- Despite the shift to Framatome-sole production under TVEL's license, Rosatom's role as license holder and sub-supplier in the joint venture could potentially strengthen its integration into the European supply chain.
- In light of the EU's objective to improve energy security and reduce reliance on Russian supplies, partnerships like the one between Framatome and TVEL are under scrutiny.
- Developing new, non-Russian fuel supply chains for VVER reactors becomes crucial for enhancing Europe's energy independence and reducing dependency on nuclear conglomerates like Rosatom.
