As a region with one of the highest energy consumption rates globally, the future development of nuclear power in Europe is essential. It's not just about ensuring energy supply but also about reshaping the energy mix to meet sustainability goals. On March 14, according to media reports, 12 European countries—including the UK, France, and Spain—formed a ministerial-level coalition, reaffirming their commitment to nuclear energy as a key low-carbon source for the future. This comes in contrast to the EU’s cautious stance following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, where many nations initially reconsidered their reliance on nuclear power.
Coincidentally, in the United States, South Carolina Power and Gas Company recently completed the concrete pouring for Unit 2 of the AP1000 reactor at the VC Summer nuclear plant. This marks the first such milestone in the U.S. since the last nuclear construction project over 30 years ago, signaling a renewed interest in nuclear energy.
Wang Binghua, Chairman of the National Nuclear Power Technology Corporation, emphasized during an interview that “Europe absolutely needs nuclear power for both energy security and structural adjustment.†As of now, the EU operates 143 nuclear reactors across 14 countries, with France alone hosting 58 units. Nuclear power accounts for 35% of the EU’s total electricity generation, making it a crucial pillar of energy supply. However, after the Fukushima incident, some countries like Germany and Switzerland chose to phase out nuclear power, while others, such as the UK and France, maintained a more balanced approach, focusing on improving safety rather than abandoning the technology.
Analysts suggest that the push for nuclear energy is not only driven by energy security concerns but also by strategic considerations. Despite Europe’s oil reserves in the North Sea, the EU still relies heavily on imports. In 2010, the EU produced only 48% of its total energy needs, with coal, oil, and natural gas accounting for 59%, 62%, and 84% of its energy consumption, respectively. With projections showing even higher dependence on foreign oil by 2030, nuclear power has become a necessary option.
Wang Binghua highlighted the importance of shifting the energy structure, pointing to the EU’s “Energy 2020†strategy and “2050 Energy Roadmap,†which emphasize low-carbon energy and emission reductions. While renewables like wind and bioenergy are important, they face limitations due to energy input-output ratios. For instance, producing biofuels from corn requires significant energy, often resulting in minimal net gain. This makes nuclear power a more viable long-term solution.
Despite growing support, nuclear power remains controversial. Many Europeans still recall the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, and the Fukushima incident has heightened concerns over safety. In March, Germany and France held anti-nuclear demonstrations, with Germany pledging to shut down all its reactors by 2022. Wang Binghua stressed that “safety must come before speed†in nuclear development.
At the same time, Chinese officials have also discussed the role of nuclear energy. During a CPPCC seminar, member Lu Qizhou pointed out the inefficiencies in transporting coal via railways or high-voltage lines, suggesting that building nuclear plants near areas with improved safety standards could be a better alternative. With energy loss being a major issue in both transportation and grid systems, nuclear power offers a more efficient and sustainable path forward.
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