Nuclear Energy for a Carbon-Neutral Europe by 2050

The European Union, consisting of 27 European member states, plays a leading role in global efforts for carbon neutrality by 2050. Nuclear power has been clearly highlighted by the European Commission as a backbone of a carbon-free European power system in its strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive, and climate-neutral economy. [1]

Within the coming decades, several European countries plan to build up to 29 new reactors as an integral part of their energy and, at the same time, decarbonization strategies.

In addition, developing SMRs in Europe and hydrogen technology are seen by the European institutions as parallel technologies to fulfill the high ambitions of the EU climate and energy policy. Private and public institutions are investing in technological innovation and looking into potential deployment.

The recent inclusion of sustainable nuclear into the EU Taxonomy will open new financial opportunities for the sector.

Significant progress has also been made in safely disposing of very low-level and low-level waste in the EU, and so far, Finland, France, and Sweden have selected sites for the deep geological disposal of intermediate and high-level waste from civilian facilities. They will likely open the first repositories for these kinds of waste between 2024 and 2035.

The recent geopolitical situation brought up many concerns related to EU security of energy supply and sparked discussions on what partnerships are necessary to overcome upcoming challenges.

The plenary session will offer an overview of the current EU energy sector developments and opportunities for international collaboration.

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