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 now grappling with surging gas prices and soaring fuel costs. Amid this uncertainty, the UK government has urged citizens to maintain composure, while the EU’s executive body, the European Commission, is advocating for remote work and reduced travel. Officials caution that the situation could worsen, particularly if tensions in the Middle East escalate further. Though the current energy crisis echoes the turmoil from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, discussions about energy autonomy have resurfaced with renewed urgency. Nuclear power, once sidelined, is gaining traction as a potential cornerstone of Europe’s energy strategy—both within the EU and in the UK.
At a recent Paris-based nuclear summit, Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission chief, acknowledged a pivotal error in Europe’s energy policy. She noted that in 1990, nuclear accounted for roughly a third of the continent’s electricity generation, but that figure has dropped to an average of 15%. This decline has left Europe reliant on costly and unstable fossil fuel imports, putting it at a disadvantage globally. Over half of the region’s energy comes from outside its borders, primarily oil and gas, making it susceptible to supply shocks. Recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, for instance, have led to sharp price increases, mirroring the effects of sanctions on Russian energy exports.
France stands out as Europe’s top nuclear producer, generating about 65% of its electricity from this source. In contrast, Germany’s electricity prices for next month are projected to be five times higher than France’s, due to its reliance on gas. This disparity highlights the economic risks of abandoning nuclear after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Germany’s industrial backbone—cars and chemicals—has become increasingly gas-dependent, contributing to a revised 2026 growth forecast of just 0.6% by its leading research institutes. Meanwhile, the UK and other European nations are seeing a shift in public sentiment, with new polling in Scotland indicating widespread support for nuclear as part of a diversified energy strategy.
“To build national resilience, drive energy security and deliver economic growth, we need nuclear,”
stated Reeves, underscoring the renewed interest in the sector. President Emmanuel Macron has championed nuclear’s role in achieving energy independence and reducing carbon emissions, positioning it as vital for the EU’s net zero goals. He also highlighted its potential to support emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, by enabling the expansion of data centers and computational infrastructure. This aligns with his vision of Europe leading in the AI revolution.
Germany’s recent pivot toward nuclear energy has eased tensions with France, which has long advocated for the technology. The country initially resisted classifying nuclear alongside renewables in EU legislation, but has since agreed to remove its anti-nuclear bias. Some speculate this shift stems from heightened security concerns, especially after strained relations with the Trump administration. However, the decision also reflects pragmatic economic considerations in a volatile energy landscape. While nuclear offers long-term stability, experts caution it should not be seen as a universal solution. The industry requires significant investment and time to expand, making it a strategic rather than immediate response to energy challenges.
