Across Europe, from individual households to large industrial sectors, there is palpable concern as fuel prices and the cost of powering vehicles continue to surge. While some governments urge a calm approach, others, like the European Commission, are proposing measures such as increased remote work and reduced travel.
The current situation is compounded by warnings of potential escalation, contingent on developments in the Middle East. This follows closely on the heels of a significant cost-of-living challenge, itself a consequence of escalating energy expenses and inflation triggered by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These ongoing disruptions are inevitably pushing discussions in Europe back towards achieving energy independence.
Within this context, nuclear energy is re-emerging as a potential component of a domestically sourced European energy strategy, with interest evident in both the UK and the EU. However, the timeline for nuclear power to provide a swift solution, alongside its inherent safety and reliability, remains a subject of critical examination.
At a recent European Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, characterized Europe’s broad move away from nuclear power as a “strategic mistake.” She noted that nuclear energy’s contribution to electricity generation in Europe has fallen from approximately one-third in 1990 to around 15% currently. This decline, she stated, has rendered the continent heavily reliant on costly and unpredictable fossil fuel imports, placing it at a disadvantage globally.
Europe imports over half of its total energy, primarily in the form of oil and gas. This reliance creates significant vulnerability to supply disruptions, as witnessed with Russia following European sanctions, and to price volatility in global markets, a situation currently exacerbated by tensions affecting energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
While gas price increases tend to be relatively uniform across Europe, the resulting impact on electricity costs varies considerably, dependent on a nation’s specific energy composition. For instance, Spain, having invested substantially in wind and solar power, forecasts its average electricity prices for 2026 to be approximately half those of Italy. In Italy, natural gas dictates the electricity price for around 90% of the time.
France, as Europe’s largest nuclear energy producer, derives about 65% of its electricity from nuclear power. In contrast, based on futures contracts, German electricity prices for the upcoming month are projected to be five times higher than those in France, presenting a stark economic disparity.
Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear power followed the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. This move has left its energy-intensive industries, notably automotive and chemical sectors, heavily dependent on natural gas.
Economic forecasts for Germany reflect these challenges. Top economic research institutes in Berlin have recently revised their growth projections for 2026 downwards, anticipating only a 0.6% GDP increase, largely due to global gas price surges.
Renewed Momentum for Nuclear Power Across Europe
A palpable resurgence of interest in nuclear energy is evident throughout Europe:
- Italy is proceeding with legislative proposals to revoke its long-standing ban on nuclear power.
- Belgium appears poised for a significant policy reversal, moving away from years of hesitation regarding nuclear energy investments.
- Greece, historically cautious due to seismic risks, has initiated public discussions concerning advanced reactor designs.
- Sweden has rescinded a decision made four decades ago to abandon nuclear technology.
- In the UK, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced plans to streamline regulatory processes to facilitate the progression of nuclear projects.
Reeves emphasized the necessity of nuclear power “to build national resilience, drive energy security and deliver economic growth.”
Recent polling from YouGov indicates growing public support for nuclear energy in Scotland, with a majority now favoring its inclusion in the national energy supply.
France stands out as a particularly vocal proponent of nuclear energy. President Emmanuel Macron frequently highlights its credentials as a low-carbon emitter, seeing it as a key contributor to the EU’s net-zero targets. At the European nuclear summit, he articulated that “nuclear power is key to reconciling both independence, and thus energy sovereignty, with decarbonisation, and thus carbon neutrality.”
Macron also pointed to the increasing energy demands associated with artificial intelligence, suggesting that nuclear power could provide Europe with a competitive advantage, enabling the development of data centers and enhanced computing capabilities.
Until recently, Germany had opposed efforts to classify nuclear energy as a renewable source in EU legislation, a stance that created considerable friction with France. However, Germany has since agreed to remove this anti-nuclear bias. Some analysts suggest this shift may be linked to evolving defense and security considerations, influenced by deteriorating relations with the Trump administration.
Germany has additionally requested France to extend its independent nuclear deterrent capabilities to other European partners, an arrangement France has agreed to this month.
Challenges and Considerations for Nuclear Energy
Despite the renewed enthusiasm, it is crucial to approach nuclear energy not as a universal solution.
The development of nuclear power is inherently a long-term undertaking, ill-suited as a rapid response to current energy insecurities. The construction of nuclear reactors is frequently subject to extensive delays, as demonstrated by recent projects in France (Flamanville-3) and the UK (Hinkley Point C).
Furthermore, challenges related to waste management and public apprehension regarding nuclear safety persist. Environmental organizations caution that substantial investments in nuclear energy could divert resources and political focus away from accelerating renewable energy development. An additional layer of strategic concern involves the reliance of several Central European nations, including Hungary and Slovakia, on Russian nuclear technology and uranium.
“You’re ignoring the history of nuclear in Europe if you think it can just slot in [as an easy energy crisis solution],” commented Chris Aylett, a Research Fellow at the Environment and Society Centre, Chatham House. He believes nuclear energy is part of the broader solution, but many European nuclear reactors are aging. Significant investment is necessary simply to maintain existing infrastructure and extend their operational lifespan.
“The main challenge is maintaining existing share [of nuclear power],” Aylett explained. “If governments really want to increase the share, they need a lot of time and a lot of money.”
Many European governments currently face substantial debt and competing financial priorities, including welfare provision and increased defense spending commitments.
Moreover, nuclear power is increasingly facing price competition from the declining costs of wind and solar energy, Aylett observed.
The Promise of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Considering both cost-effectiveness and practical application, the European Commission has actively promoted the concept of small modular reactors (SMRs).
SMRs are perceived as a more economical source of nuclear power, capable of being mass-produced in factories. They are considered particularly suitable for meeting the energy demands of AI data centers, hydrogen production, and localized heating networks.
The EU has announced an investment package of €330 million for nuclear energy, with significant allocation towards SMR development. Brussels aims to have this emerging technology operational by the early 2030s.
Interest in SMRs extends beyond Europe. Last week, the United States and Japan revealed a $40 billion collaborative project to develop SMRs in Tennessee and Alabama. In the UK, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Graham Stuart, has outlined regulatory groundwork to support Rolls-Royce’s proposal for SMR construction.
Despite their appeal, SMRs are yet to be proven at a commercial scale. As of early 2026, no construction licenses for SMRs had been granted within the EU.
Research into nuclear fusion is also receiving increased attention from the EU, with the objective of developing the first commercial fusion power plant. However, for the immediate future, Europe continues to rely heavily on fossil fuel imports.
Aylett argues that enhancing energy independence is clearly in Europe’s interest to mitigate exposure to the volatile actions of exporters and fluctuations in oil and gas commodity markets.
European governments appear to view nuclear power as a component of their medium to long-term energy strategy. The immediate concerns, however, remain focused on addressing current energy security needs.