Faced with new energy shock, Europe asks if reviving nuclear is the answer
Faced with new energy shock, Europe asks if reviving nuclear is the answer
European families and industries are anxiously monitoring the sharp rise in gas prices and the steep increase in petrol costs. While the UK government has urged voters to remain composed, the European Commission—EU’s executive body—has advised people to adopt remote work and reduce travel. Policymakers caution that further escalation in energy costs could follow, contingent on developments in the Middle East. This has prompted a fresh discussion about energy independence, with nuclear energy resurfacing as a potential solution within Europe’s domestic energy strategy, including in the UK and the EU.
At the recent Paris-based European Nuclear Energy Summit, Ursula von der Leyen, the EU’s top policymaker, criticized the continent’s past reliance on fossil fuels. She noted that Europe once generated nearly a third of its electricity through nuclear power, but that share has dropped to an average of 15%. This shift has left the region vulnerable to costly and unstable energy imports, she argued, placing Europe at a disadvantage globally. Over half of the continent’s energy comes from external sources, primarily oil and gas, making it susceptible to supply shocks and market fluctuations.
A fresh push for nuclear revival
Nuclear energy’s appeal is growing across Europe, driven by the need for stable power sources. France, the largest nuclear producer in the EU, generates about 65% of its electricity from this method. In contrast, Germany—once a leader in phasing out nuclear following the 2011 Fukushima disaster—now faces soaring electricity prices, with next month’s rates forecasted to be five times those in France. This disparity highlights the economic stakes of energy choices, as Germany’s industries, like car manufacturing and chemicals, rely heavily on gas.
New polling suggests public backing for nuclear power is increasing in Scotland, with most respondents favoring its inclusion in the country’s energy portfolio. France, however, remains a vocal proponent of nuclear energy, with President Emmanuel Macron emphasizing its role in achieving both energy sovereignty and carbon neutrality. At the summit, he stated, “
Nuclear power is key to reconciling both independence, and thus energy sovereignty, with decarbonisation, and thus carbon neutrality
,” while also noting its potential to support emerging technologies like AI.
Germany’s recent reversal on nuclear policy has eased tensions with France, which has agreed to expand its independent nuclear deterrent to EU partners. This move comes amid concerns over global energy price hikes, particularly linked to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Yet, experts warn that nuclear energy is not a quick solution. Its development requires significant time and investment, and while it offers reliability, challenges remain in ensuring safety and public acceptance. As Europe navigates this crisis, the debate over nuclear’s role in the future energy landscape continues to evolve.
