Nuclear power in Europe faces headwinds despite energy security concerns

[1]

With Europe in the grip of great anxiety over disruptions to its natural gas imports from Russia – not to mention the persistent volatility in gas and coal prices – nuclear power has been presented by some in the energy industry, as well as a number of European governments, as an alternative to gas solution to the continent’s security of supply woes.

In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, several European nations, including France, the UK, the Netherlands, Poland and Belgium, have announced plans for lifetime extensions of existing nuclear reactors and/or accelerated newbuild programmes. However, despite this string of announcements, there are plenty of reasons to question the future role of nuclear energy in Europe.