- The European Nuclear Energy Alliance (ENEA) urges the upcoming European Commission to integrate nuclear energy alongside renewables in 2024-2029.
- ENEA ‘s four-pillar plan focuses on increasing financing access, training skilled workers, advancing research and innovation, and respecting national energy choices to support the growth of Europe’s nuclear industry.
The European Nuclear Energy Alliance (ENEA) urged the upcoming European Commission to include nuclear energy alongside renewables in decarbonisation efforts for 2024-2029. Ministers and high-level representatives met in Luxembourg during the Energy Council to push for this integration.
ENEA emphasised nuclear energy’s crucial role, alongside renewables, in meeting Europe’s growing electricity demand. With its low carbon emissions and stable output, nuclear energy strengthens Europe’s energy security and boosts electricity market flexibility. The Alliance stressed the importance of a nuclear-renewable energy mix in achieving the EU’s carbon neutrality goal by 2050.
Representatives from 14 EU member states, including the incoming Polish presidency and European Commission officials, explored ways to collaborate and increase nuclear’s role in Europe’s decarbonisation strategies. ENEA pointed out nuclear energy’s baseload capacity, which lowers operational costs and stabilises energy markets, offering a consistent low-carbon electricity supply.
ENEA laid out a four-pillar plan to support Europe’s nuclear industry in March. The plan calls for expanding access to financing, training skilled workers, advancing research and industrial innovation, and respecting national energy choices. The Alliance considers these steps essential for strengthening Europe’s nuclear sector and securing a smooth energy transition.
ENEA underscored the broader benefits of nuclear energy for all EU countries, even those not directly using it. Nuclear plants, like hydropower, deliver low-carbon baseload energy that stabilises the European electricity grid. This approach reduces market volatility, ensuring EU citizens can access affordable, reliable electricity.
The Alliance called on the new European Commission to include nuclear energy in its climate and energy policies over the next five years. With the current Commission’s mandate ending on October 31, 2024, ENEA stressed that the next leadership must integrate nuclear into its long-term energy plans to help meet Europe’s climate and energy objectives.
Currently, 103 nuclear reactors operate across the EU, producing about 25% of the bloc’s electricity. ENEA sees expanding nuclear energy as key to achieving the EU’s carbon neutrality goals and maintaining energy security.
ENEA’s membership includes 12 countries, such as Bulgaria, France, Finland, and Poland, with Belgium and Italy participating as observers. The Alliance pledged to strengthen cooperation within its ranks and with other EU member states to boost Europe’s nuclear industry and ensure a successful energy transition.