- Sweden calls for more robust EU support for nuclear power, aiming to expand capacity by 2.5 GW by 2035 and double electricity production by 2045.
- European Nuclear Alliance, formed in 2023 under Sweden’s leadership, unites 12 pro-nuclear countries to boost cooperation and innovation.
- Division over nuclear energy persists, with Austria, Germany, and others opposing, while Sweden pushes for regulatory reforms and investment in SMRs.
Sweden calls on Europe to increase support for nuclear power, aiming to expand capacity by 2.5 GW by 2035 and double production by 2045. Ebba Busch, Sweden’s Energy Minister, urged EU institutions at the “Roadmaps to New Nuclear” conference in Paris, organised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), to stop obstructing nuclear development.
Busch emphasised that each EU member state controls its energy strategy. She highlighted that most EU countries and the European Council supported nuclear power and warned that burdensome regulations hinder progress.
“Nuclear energy ensures Europe’s energy independence and drives decarbonisation,” Busch said. She outlined Sweden’s plan to expand nuclear capacity through large reactors or Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which offer greater flexibility and lower costs.
Sweden launched the European Nuclear Alliance 2023 during its EU presidency, bringing together 12 pro-nuclear countries. The alliance aims to strengthen cooperation and drive innovation in the sector. Busch cautioned that without public investment, Europe risks falling behind global powers like the US and China, which heavily invest in nuclear energy.
Busch urged EU member states to boost financial support for nuclear infrastructure, stressing that nuclear energy plays a crucial role in meeting climate goals and reducing fossil fuel dependence.
Despite Sweden’s push, several EU countries, including Austria, Germany, Ireland, and Luxembourg, oppose nuclear energy. They cite concerns about safety and the environmental risks of nuclear waste. This division complicates efforts to create a unified European atomic strategy.
Busch argued that resolving waste management challenges and cutting regulatory red tape will unlock nuclear energy’s full potential in Europe. Sweden views SMRs as a game-changer due to their lower costs and faster deployment. The Swedish government works to simplify regulations to accelerate these developments.
Busch’s call to action comes as the European Commission faces mounting pressure to create a clear regulatory framework for financing nuclear power. Public-private partnerships, subsidies, and tax incentives are critical to keeping Europe competitive in the atomic energy sector.
Sweden advocates for more research into advanced nuclear technologies, such as SMRs and fourth-generation reactors. Improving waste management and enhancing safety standards will help build broader support for nuclear energy across Europe.
With Sweden leading the push, Busch believes that addressing political divisions and increasing financial backing will be crucial to securing Europe’s energy future. A more robust nuclear sector will help Europe achieve its energy and climate goals while staying competitive in the global shift toward cleaner energy.