Top EU Countries Push for Nuclear Power, Katharine Reiche Holds Talks with Allies
Katherina Reiche engages in discussions with the European Alliance for Nuclear Energy
Adopting a laid-back, friendly, and straightforward tone, here's a recap of the recent happenings in the nuclear energy sphere across Europe.
Society & Politics Katharine Reiche Meets with Nuclear-Friendly EU Countries Federal Minister of Economics Katharina Reiche bonded with energy ministers from pro-nuclear countries in the EU. In spite of Germany abandoning nuclear technology, the CDU politician affirmed her pursuit of dialogues. This gathering marked the European Nuclear Alliance's meeting, which conveniently took place alongside EU energy ministers' get-together in Luxembourg.
Finance How Much will Sizewell C Cost? London Allots €17bn for New Mega NPP This alliance comprises countries advocating for nuclear energy's increased use. Key players include France, Sweden, and Poland. Katharine Reiche observed as an onlooker in the discussion, as relayed by French Energy Minister Marc Ferracci. Marc was highly appreciative, while Ebba Busch, her Swedish counterpart, unveiled hopes of Germany rejoining efforts in "technological neutrality."
Nuclear power is championed as a low-CO2 energy source, a solution that countries like France promote during this unprecedented climate crisis. However, NPPs are not without controversies, given their high risks and exorbitant construction costs. EU treaties grant each nation the autonomy to pick its energy mix. In Germany, the last NPPs shut down in April 2023.
Investment Analysis Nuclear Power Sector Sees Renewed Interest The federal government has been wrestling to strike a common stance on nuclear energy and questioning its eco-friendly status at the EU level. A joint document published by French and German governments on May 7 signaled their intent to launch a Franco-German reboot in energy policy, which aims to treat all low-emission energies on an equal footing at the EU level. Given France's reliance on nuclear power, it is considered low-emission.
At the end of May in Brussels, Katharine Reiche hinted at an open-mindedness towards emerging technologies, while Federal Minister of the Environment Carsten Schneider reiterated Germany's reluctance to acknowledge nuclear power as sustainable. "No joint stance from the federal government exists, and it won't in the future, with the SPD,” affirmed Carsten.
Finance Consumers Likely to Foot Additional Costs - Hinkley Point C Expensive For select EU nations, nuclear power is instrumental in their pursuit of carbon-neutral energy systems. The EU Commission recently shared its estimation of the expense for preserving and re-entering nuclear energy: €241 billion are potentially needed to prolong the lives of existing reactors and construct new NPPs. This expansion could boost the EU's total installed capacity to 109 gigawatts by 2050, given the current capacity of 98 gigawatts.[1][2][4]
Acknowledging that additional funds will be necessary for the development of next-generation technologies including SMRs, AMRs, microreactors, and long-term fusion energy projects, these costs haven't been factored into the €241 billion figure for large reactors and their extensions.[1][4][5]
The funding for these endeavors will likely be sourced from a combination of public and private resources, but recruiting sufficient private investment may necessitate the introduction of new financial instruments due to the significant costs and potential risks associated with nuclear projects.[5]
[1] ntv.de[2] chr/dpa[4] nuclear-herald.de[5] eurapply.eu/funding-opportunities/european-commission-grants-2050-investment-nuclear-energy-expansion/
- Nuclear Power
- Katharine Reiche
- Nuclear Power Plants
- In the realm of general-news and community policy, Katharine Reiche has been actively engaging in discussions with nuclear-friendly EU countries, pushing for a joint approach towards nuclear power and vocational training in the field of nuclear energy.
- As politics and society grapple with the expansion of nuclear power in Europe, vocational training programs in this sector are increasingly significant, aiming to mitigate risks and reduce costs associated with the development of next-generation nuclear power plants.
