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 families and industries are increasingly anxious as gas prices and petrol costs have surged, creating a fresh energy challenge. While the UK government has urged citizens to remain composed, the European Commission has pushed for measures like remote work and reduced travel to mitigate the strain. Policymakers caution that the situation could worsen, depending on developments in the Middle East. Yet, the energy crisis of the past few years, fueled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, seems like a distant memory for many.
The Shift Toward Energy Independence
As energy prices remain high, the conversation in Europe is once again centered on energy independence. Nuclear power, once sidelined, is gaining traction as a potential solution to the continent’s reliance on volatile fossil fuel imports. Across both the UK and the EU, nuclear energy is being reexamined as part of a broader strategy to secure domestic energy supply.
“To build national resilience, drive energy security and deliver economic growth, we need nuclear,” said Reeves.
Europe’s energy mix has shifted significantly since 1990, when nuclear accounted for roughly a third of its electricity. Today, that share has dropped to an average of 15%, leaving the continent heavily dependent on expensive imports. The European Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen labeled this move away from nuclear as a “strategic mistake,” emphasizing its role in undermining energy sovereignty.
Nuclear’s Role in the Energy Mix
France remains the largest nuclear producer in Europe, generating around 65% of its electricity from the technology. In contrast, Germany’s electricity prices for the next month are projected to be five times higher than in France, reflecting its transition to renewable sources after phasing out nuclear following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. This shift has left German industries, such as automotive and chemical sectors, reliant on gas, amplifying the impact of price hikes.
Spain, with its focus on wind and solar, is expected to have electricity prices about half of Italy’s by the end of 2026, highlighting how energy sources shape regional costs. Meanwhile, France’s commitment to nuclear has become a key asset, with President Emmanuel Macron framing it as essential for achieving both carbon neutrality and energy self-reliance.
“Nuclear power is key to reconciling both independence, and thus energy sovereignty, with decarbonisation, and thus carbon neutrality,” Macron stated.
Rekindled Support and Policy Changes
Until recently, Germany resisted classifying nuclear on par with renewables in EU policies, sparking tensions with France. However, Berlin has now agreed to remove its anti-nuclear bias, a move some analysts suggest stems from growing security concerns amid strained relations with the Trump administration. This change also aligns with Germany’s request for France to expand its nuclear deterrent to other European nations, which France has since accepted.
New polls in Scotland indicate rising public backing for nuclear energy, with a majority now supporting its inclusion in the country’s power generation. Despite this, experts caution against viewing nuclear as a universal solution. The development of nuclear infrastructure requires years of planning, making it less of an immediate response to current energy pressures.
While nuclear could provide long-term stability, its potential to address immediate crises remains limited. The industry’s role in powering data centers and AI growth was highlighted by Macron, who argued it could give Europe a competitive edge in the digital age. Yet, the path to a nuclear revival is complex, and its success will depend on overcoming both political and logistical challenges.