EC Updates Illustrative Nuclear Program

November 14, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS

The updates seek to ensure that:

• The latest technology is used for future construction.
• The highest standards of nuclear safety are used.
• The currently differing licensing requirements and procedures in EU member states are simplified and harmonized.

Nuclear energy plays an important role in the EU's planned transition to a low-carbon economy and reduces the dependency on external supplies. The EU maintains that the choice to include nuclear energy in the energy mix lies with its member states.

Nevertheless, the EC notes that if strategic investment decisions about power generation capacities in nuclear as well as in renewable energy are taken rapidly, nearly two-thirds of EU's electricity generation could be low-carbon in the early 2020s.

It remains for each member state to decide whether or not to rely on nuclear power for the generation of electricity. With 148 reactors spread over 15 EU member states, nuclear power currently contributes about one-third of Europe's electricity.

Decisions to construct new or replace existing nuclear power plants have been taken in Bulgaria, Finland, France and Slovakia. Firm plans are underway in Romania, the United Kingdom and other EU countries, including the Czech Republic, Italy and the Netherlands. Lithuania, together with Estonia, Latvia and Poland, are also considering new nuclear power plants.

However, if the planned shutdown of nuclear reactors within some EU member states continues, this share will be significantly reduced.

The updated PINC would address some of the key issues that were raised in recent debates by the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Parliament and the European Nuclear Energy Forum. These include:

• The link between nuclear energy and security of supply, with a special focus on the investment needs (replacement and life extension of aging power plants) and the security of supply for nuclear fuels.
• The role of public authorities, with emphasis in the EU on nuclear safety and radioactive waste management (outside the EU on security and non-proliferation).
• The importance of public acceptance of nuclear energy and factors influencing it.

For more information, see the EC's web sites on Second Strategic Energy Review - Securing our Energy Future and on Energy Policy for a Competitive Europe.

Source: European Commission.