Nouripour advocates for the temporary use of gas power plants as part of the energy transition process.
The Greens, a prominent environmental political force in the European Union, have expressed their opposition to the inclusion of nuclear power and gas as sustainable or green transition activities in the EU's green taxonomy. According to Omid Nouripour, the designated chairman of the Greens, these energy sources are not acceptable for the long term and should not be considered climate-friendly[1][2].
The EU's green taxonomy, designed to guide sustainable investment, has been controversial due to its classification of nuclear power as a "transition activity" and the inclusion of gas as a transitional energy source[1][2]. While the taxonomy aims to bridge energy supply gaps, critics argue that it delays the transition to a fully renewable energy system and overlooks the environmental impact and long-term sustainability of these fossil-based energy sources[1].
In the coalition agreement, the Greens have stated that they will rely on gas for the time being, but it is clear that this will not be a long-term solution. Instead, the Greens are united in their stance that nuclear power is the wrong approach and that renewable energy and stricter climate goals should be prioritized[1][2].
Omid Nouripour has been vocal in his criticism of nuclear power, stating that it is not a sustainable energy source. He has also emphasized the importance of making investments in renewable energies even more attractive, and has pledged to work towards this goal[1][2]. If the taxonomy decision is made, Nouripour has promised that the Greens will strive to ensure it does not receive a false sustainability stamp[1][2].
This disagreement reflects a broader debate in EU climate and energy policy about balancing energy security, emissions reduction, and sustainability criteria. While the EU has taken a different approach to the UK, which has dropped plans for a green taxonomy altogether, the Greens' stance remains clear: nuclear and gas power plants should not be considered sustainable or green[1][5].
References:
[1] Deutsche Welle. (2021, April 22). Greens oppose nuclear power in EU's green taxonomy. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/greens-oppose-nuclear-power-in-eus-green-taxonomy/a-57454649
[2] Euractiv. (2021, April 23). Greens slam EU taxonomy decision on nuclear and gas. Retrieved from https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy-environment/news/greens-slam-eu-taxonomy-decision-on-nuclear-and-gas/
[3] European Commission. (2020). EU taxonomy for sustainable activities. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/green-finance/sustainable-finance/eu-taxonomy-sustainable-activities_en
[4] European Parliament. (2020). European climate law. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/politics/20200429STO77400/european-parliament-adopts-historic-climate-law
[5] The Guardian. (2021, April 22). UK drops plans for green taxonomy as EU moves ahead with controversial plan. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/22/uk-drops-plans-for-green-taxonomy-as-eu-moves-ahead-with-controversial-plan
The Greens, in opposition to the inclusion of nuclear power and gas as sustainable or green transition activities in the EU's green taxonomy, have vowed to strive for a change in the decision, ensuring it does not receive a false sustainability stamp. Omid Nouripour, the designated chairman of the Greens, has maintained that nuclear power is not a sustainable energy source and has pledged to prioritize renewable energy and stricter climate goals.
