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 households and businesses are grappling with surging gas prices and petrol costs, creating unease across the continent. While the UK government has urged citizens to remain composed, the European Commission has pushed for measures like remote work and reduced travel to ease pressure. Policymakers caution that further disruptions in energy markets could intensify the crisis, especially with tensions in the Middle East affecting global supply chains.
Energy independence back in focus
Europe’s recent energy challenges have reignited debates about self-sufficiency. The continent’s reliance on imported fossil fuels, which now account for over 50% of its energy supply, has left it vulnerable to price swings. This was evident when Russia’s export restrictions caused supply drops, and now Iran’s actions through the Strait of Hormuz are driving up costs once again.
Gas prices are rising uniformly across Europe, but electricity costs vary significantly. Spain, with its strong investment in wind and solar, is projected to have electricity prices half of Italy’s by the end of 2026. In contrast, Germany’s electricity rates are five times higher than France’s, reflecting its shift away from nuclear energy after the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
A renewed push for nuclear
The European Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris highlighted a growing interest in nuclear power. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, criticized the continent’s earlier rejection of nuclear as a “strategic mistake.” In 1990, nuclear provided around a third of Europe’s electricity, but that share has since dropped to an average of 15%.
“To build national resilience, drive energy security and deliver economic growth, we need nuclear,” said Reeves.
France, the largest nuclear producer in Europe, generates 65% of its electricity from this source. However, Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear following Fukushima has left its industrial sector heavily dependent on gas. Recent economic forecasts from Berlin have slashed growth projections to 0.6% of GDP, citing global gas price hikes as a key factor.
Support for nuclear energy is growing, particularly in Scotland, where a YouGov poll shows strong public backing. France remains a vocal advocate, with President Emmanuel Macron emphasizing its role in achieving energy sovereignty and net zero goals. He argued that nuclear power could also support emerging technologies like AI, enabling the construction of data centers and expanding computing capabilities.
Political shifts and future prospects
Until last year, Germany resisted classifying nuclear alongside renewables in EU legislation, straining ties with France. But recent agreements to remove anti-nuclear biases suggest a pivot, possibly driven by security concerns from strained relations with the Trump administration. Germany has now asked France to share its nuclear deterrent, a move France has endorsed.
Despite these developments, experts caution against seeing nuclear as a universal solution. Development requires years of planning, and while it offers reliable power, it cannot immediately address current energy shortages. The debate continues as Europe balances immediate needs with long-term sustainability goals.
