As Europe grapples with an ongoing energy crisis and seeks to move away from fossil fuels, investing in nuclear energy is a vital next step. Revolutionary Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could become a game changer.
Nuclear energy remains divisive because of misperceptions around its safety, storage, and waste disposal. But amid the EU’s ambitious climate goals, continuing uncertainty about energy supply and prices, and the war in Ukraine, investing in nuclear power is more urgent than ever. Thankfully, nuclear energy is finally getting a second look. As Europe rushes to escape reliance on fossil fuels and energy imports from non-allied countries, nuclear power is fast becoming the next big player in clean energy.
The EU officially classifying nuclear energy as ‘green‘ epitomises this shift.(1) Teresa Ribera, the EU’s likely next green chief, recently indicated she will not oppose the expansion of nuclear power in Europe.(2) Her assurance is crucial for pro-nuclear nations, particularly as they worry about potential restrictions on nuclear energy when its momentum is growing.
In 2022, the electricity generation mix in the EU highlighted a significant reliance on fossil fuels and biomass, which still made up 42% of the bloc’s energy supply. Nuclear energy contributed 22%, over half of which was generated by a single country: France, thanks to its longstanding pro-nuclear policy focused on energy security. (3) (4) Wind and solar accounted for another 22%, and hydroelectric sources added 10%.
While some countries like France rely on nuclear energy, challenges remain. In Germany, for example, there is a long history of opposing nuclear energy, thanks to outdated environmental and safety concerns.(5)
Similarly, in a backwards decision, Spain is currently in the process of shutting down its nuclear plants, which currently supply over a quarter of its energy.(6) On the other hand, Italy, which has historically been hostile to nuclear, is reconsidering its nuclear energy phase-out, with plans to approve new plants by 2025.(7)
Nuclear power produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear energy also stands as the most land-efficient power source, using 50 times less land than coal and up to 27 times less than solar PV for the same electricity output.(8) Unlike solar and wind, which rely on weather conditions, nuclear plants operate continuously.
If contemporary nuclear power plants still are not popular enough given these benefits, it is possible small modular reactors (SMRs), which are the nuclear power plants of the future, could shift the balance in nuclear’s favour. Though still a divisive topic, the potential for nuclear power to play a key role in Europe’s energy future is becoming harder to ignore.
SMRs have passive safety features allowing them to shut down without human intervention or external power. These systems reduce the (already minimal) risk of accidents and enhance overall safety. (9) Their smaller size means less nuclear fuel and radioactive material, limiting the potential consequences of an accident. They can be manufactured in factories and transported to sites, with short construction times and standardisation leading to lower production costs.
More than 70 SMR designs are currently under development globally, with several companies competing in the UK market. Among them is Rolls-Royce, whose design has moved closer to regulatory approval in the UK. (10)
Rolls-Royce is positioning itself for significant expansion in Europe. The company has been selected for developing its SMR program in the Czech Republic, following support from the Polish government earlier this year. (11) (12) The company is nearing agreements to build SMRs in both Sweden and the Netherlands, too. (13)
All these countries were among the 34 delegations which attended the first Nuclear Energy Summit in March, near the Atomium in Brussels, a symbol of the peaceful use of nuclear energy. (14)
At the summit, Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, emphasised the critical role of nuclear power in achieving climate goals. (15) “Without nuclear power, meeting our climate targets on time is impossible,” he said. Despite blips like Spain, openness to nuclear power is growing in Europe. More countries are expected to embrace it as part of their energy strategies.
While SMRs represent a significant part of the future direction of nuclear energy, they are part of a broader landscape which also includes the development of fourth-generation nuclear reactors, promises for enhanced safety, and sustainability through innovative designs and fuel cycles. Although current nuclear technology is set to evolve with advancements like SMRs and fourth-generation systems, it will continue to play a vital role in the energy mix for the foreseeable future, remaining a key player in Europe’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape.
To make the most of nuclear energy in Europe, the EU should actively encourage member states to adopt pro-nuclear policies and invest in nuclear technologies like SMRs. This includes providing funding for research and innovation to benefit EU-based companies, as none of the leading nations in SMR development are within the EU.(16) By supporting domestic nuclear innovation, Europe can enhance its energy security and reduce emissions, helping to meet its ambitious climate goals.
- EU declares nuclear and gas to be green – DW – 02/02/2022
- Spain’s Ribera hints she won’t obstruct EU nuclear expansion – POLITICO
- Nuclear Power in the European Union
- Nuclear Power in France
- Why Germany ditched nuclear before coal – and why it won’t go back
- Spain confirms nuclear power phase-out, extends renewable projects deadlines | Reuters
- Italy eyes up nuclear energy with plans to approve new plants by 2025 | Euronews
- How does the land use of different electricity sources compare? – Our World in Data
- What are the safest and cleanest sources of energy? – Our World in Data
- Rolls-Royce Small Modular Reactor design completes second step of regulatory assessment – GOV.UK
- Czechs to Develop Small Nuclear Reactors with Rolls-Royce
- Rolls-Royce gets Poland’s backing to drive forward nuclear power plants plan | Euronews
- Rolls-Royce nears small-nuclear deals in Sweden, Netherlands
- Nations Assemble for Revolutionary, First-Ever Nuclear Energy Summit
- Europe is divided on nuclear power: Which countries are for and against it? | Euronews
- SMR Technology Trends Worldwide
Technology has a role to play in CO₂ mitigation Tilly Undi (Interview)
Nuclear power takes off (Part 2): the ongoing evolution of reactors
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