EU: "Phasing Out Nuclear Power Was a Strategic Mistake"...To Foster Next-Generation Nuclear and SMRs

EU to Introduce SMRs, Begin Operations in 2030
200 Million Euro Guarantee to Spur Private Investment

The European Union (EU) has acknowledged that its previous policy of phasing out nuclear power was a strategic mistake. The EU has declared a major shift, positioning nuclear energy alongside renewables as a key pillar of future energy security. As energy prices fluctuate amid airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran and calls for a "nuclear revival" intensify, the EU has moved to drastically revise its energy strategy.

On the 10th (local time), Ursula Von Der Leyen, President of the European Commission, gave a speech at the Nuclear Energy Summit held at the Seine Musicale concert hall in Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris, France. Paris (France) = Photo by AFP Yonhap News

On the 10th (local time), Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated in her speech at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Nuclear Energy Summit held in Paris, France, "The current Middle East crisis starkly reveals Europe's vulnerability as an importer of fossil fuels," and added, "It was a mistake to abandon reliable, affordable, low-carbon energy sources."

She went on to say, "Europe needs domestically produced low-carbon energy in which nuclear and renewables play a vital role," and announced, "Going forward, the EU will pursue the introduction of next-generation nuclear power plants alongside renewable energy." President von der Leyen presented a vision for becoming the "global hub" for next-generation nuclear power, noting, "While nuclear accounted for one-third of Europe's energy mix in 1990, it now makes up only about 15 percent."

President von der Leyen emphasized that the European Commission, as the executive body, would promote the introduction of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). SMRs are nuclear reactors with a maximum electrical output of 300 MW, much lower than the approximately 1,000 MW output of most conventional nuclear power plants. Their modular design allows for greater flexibility. In her speech, she set a target to begin operations in the early 2030s.

The European Commission plans to provide guarantees totaling 200 million euros (approximately 300 billion won) to standardize nuclear regulations within the EU and encourage private investment in new technologies. The Commission explained that, in addition to securing an advantage in the global nuclear market, affordable energy supplies would help restore Europe's industrial competitiveness.

From the left, Emmanuel Macron, President of France; Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission (EU); and Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), are attending the IAEA Nuclear Energy Summit held in Paris, France, on the 10th (local time). Paris, France = EPA Yonhap News Agency

French President Emmanuel Macron stated, "The lessons of the Fukushima accident in Japan remain," but stressed, "Nuclear power enables us to achieve competitiveness, decarbonization, and energy sovereignty simultaneously." He proposed that, to revitalize nuclear energy, "Nuclear plants in operation around the world must continue to run," and suggested "pursuing standardization between countries to facilitate joint reactor development, such as SMRs."

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said at a press conference held the same day, "Personally, I share President von der Leyen's view." However, he pointed out the practical difficulties of such a major shift. He explained, "Since a previous federal government decided to phase out nuclear power, nothing will change for Germany," referring to the country's nuclear phase-out policy initiated in 2011. "That decision is irreversible. Regrettably, that is the reality," he said. The Merz administration has determined that restarting reactors that have been in the process of decommissioning for years would require recovery work comparable to new construction, making a return to nuclear power virtually impossible.

After the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in 2011, many European countries maintained their anti-nuclear policies, with Germany at the forefront. The government led by Angela Merkel at the time took bold steps toward phasing out nuclear power. The center-left Scholz administration that followed also completed the nuclear phase-out in 2023.

The momentum for nuclear phase-out weakened as the European economy fell into stagnation and industry demanded cheaper electricity. In 2024, renewables accounted for 47 percent of the EU's total power generation. However, infrastructure such as power transmission facilities failed to keep pace, leading to large-scale blackouts in some countries, including Spain. The reduction in Russian natural gas supplies following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 further exacerbated the situation, and recent tensions with Iran are heightening concerns over rising energy prices.

Meanwhile, the Italian government has reversed its decision to phase out nuclear power made in 1987, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni passing a bill in May 2019 to revive nuclear energy. In line with this policy shift, Italy's major electric utility Enel partnered with defense giant Leonardo to establish a company in May of the same year for research and market analysis of next-generation SMRs. Other countries, such as Belgium and Lithuania, are also currently considering the construction of new nuclear power plants.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.