A New Dawn for Nuclear Energy in Europe
The energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine and compounded by global gas shortages has forced Europe to confront its energy vulnerabilities. This crisis has catalyzed a dramatic shift in the continent's energy strategy, with nuclear power emerging as a central pillar of its future. Nuclear energy is no longer just a contested option - it is now recognized as a vital component of Europe’s path to energy sovereignty and climate neutrality. Recent developments reflect this transformation. The inclusion of nuclear power in the European Union’s Green Taxonomy in 2020 has marked a turning point, granting nuclear projects access to sustainable financing and validating its role in a cleaner energy transition.
At the global stage, this momentum was further underscored at COP28 in Dubai in 2023, where 14 European countries reaffirmed their commitment to nuclear energy. Agreements signed at the summit reflect a collective determination to enhance cooperation, streamline investment, and share knowledge across borders. This drive is also evident in the formation of alliances such as the EU Nuclear Alliance signed in 2024, which unites 14 EU countries committed to advancing the nuclear sector through shared resources and coordinated strategies. These political and institutional initiatives signal a clear shift in Europe’s energy priorities, with nuclear power positioned as a key driver of resilience and decarbonization.
These past few years have set the stage for a renewed momentum in nuclear energy, highlighted by the recent grid connections of Finland’s Olkiluoto 3 (OL3), Slovakia’s Mochovce 3 (MOCHOVCE-3) and France’s Flamanville 3 (FA3) reactors, adding 3700 MW of capacity to the European market. These projects serve as milestones of perseverance in delivering large-scale nuclear projects.
On the industrial front, countries are translating this renewed momentum into concrete action. France has unveiled its ambitious EPR2 program, which aims to build 14 new reactors to ensure reliable and sustainable energy production. Sweden is actively modernizing its nuclear fleet, with substantial investments in next-generation technologies. In the United Kingdom, major projects such as Hinkley Point C (HPC) exemplify the modernization of nuclear infrastructure. Additionally, Sizewell C, currently under development, is designed as a near replica of HPC, leveraging lessons learned to streamline construction and reduce costs while contributing significantly to the UK's low-carbon energy strategy. Moreover, Europe is becoming a global leader in the development of cutting-edge nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs), and Micro Modular Reactors (MMRs). These innovative reactors, characterized by flexibility, scalability, and enhanced safety features, are drawing interest from a wide range of industries and governments. They symbolize a new era of nuclear energy that promises not only stability but also adaptability to diverse energy needs.
To provide a clearer overview of this nuclear landscape, the map below categorizes European countries based on their actions and intentions regarding nuclear energy. The legend helps decode this categorization:
- Blue: Countries that have made investments in nuclear energy and are actively willing to reinforce the sector.
- Light blue: Countries that have not yet made investments but are signaling a willingness to explore nuclear energy as part of their future strategies.
- Green: Countries with historical investments in nuclear energy but without plans to expand the sector further.
- Grey Stripes: Countries that neither invest in nor support the development of nuclear energy, often due to political or societal opposition.
This visual representation underscores the prevailing consensus in Europe regarding the acceptance and acceleration of nuclear reinforcement, with minimal opposition. The dominance on the map vividly illustrates this trend, highlighting the strategic alignment of numerous nations towards a nuclear powered future.
Positioning for the Future: Challenges and Opportunities
To complement the visual overview of Europe’s nuclear landscape, the table below dives deeper into the political ambitions and strategies shaping nuclear energy development across European nations as of 2025. It provides a detailed account of each country's approach, highlighting key government initiatives, planned investments, and the role of nuclear power in their energy strategies. From France's ambitious EPR2 program to Sweden's focus on next-generation reactors and Poland's collaboration with global nuclear leaders, this table underscores the diversity of political positioning and industrial commitments across the continent.
| Countries | Political Positionning on Nuclear Energy |
|---|---|
| France1 | In his February 2022 Belfort speech, Emmanuel Macron outlined plans to build 14 new reactors, including six EPR2 units immediately, and extend the life of existing reactors to 60+ years. |
|
UK2 |
The UK aims for carbon neutrality by 2050 with plans to quadruple nuclear capacity by 2050 and establish medium-enriched fuel production, even as most current reactors are set to close by 2030. |
| Sweden3 | Sweden's government is strongly backing a nuclear energy expansion, aiming to build new reactors by 2035, with up to 10 large-scale units by 2045. This includes small modular reactors (SMRs), alongside regulatory changes and financial support like credit guarantees. The goal is to secure fossil-free electricity and drive the green transition. |
| Belgium4 |
Belgium is split on nuclear power. Pro-nuclear parties support extending its use for energy security, while Ecolo advocates for a renewable-only future. The newly elected Belgian government announced its intention to revive nuclear energy, by extending the life of Doel 4 and Tihange 3 until 2035 and by developing new reactors. |
| Czech Republic5 | Czechia is expanding its nuclear energy sector with both large reactors and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), aiming to replace coal plants. SMR construction is set for the 2030s-40s, with efforts to secure investment and suitable sites. KHNP won a tender to build 2 reactors at Dukovany. |
| Slovakia6 | Slovakia is expanding its nuclear energy sector, with plans for small modular reactors by 2035 under Project Phoenix. The government is also pursuing the construction of a new 1.2GW unit, with a competitive tender process. |
| Bulgaria7 |
Bulgaria plans to expand its nuclear energy sector with two new AP1000 reactors at Kozloduy by 2035, aiming to improve energy security and reduce coal dependence. |
| Hungary8 | Hungary is expanding its nuclear energy with the Paks II project, adding two new reactors to increase nuclear's share to 70% of its electricity supply. This will cut natural gas imports, stabilize energy prices, and lower CO2 emissions. |
| Netherlands9 |
The Netherlands plans to expand nuclear power with two new Generation III+ reactors at the Borssele site, potentially contributing 9-13% of electricity by 2035. The government has allocated funding to support nuclear projects, encompassing both new construction and the extension of existing facilities' operational lifespans. |
| Romania10 |
Romania is advancing small modular reactor (SMR) projects, including a NuScale-based plant in Doicești through Nuclearelectrica and Nova Power & Gas, as well as initiatives from RATEN and Last Energy. |
| Slovenia11 | Slovenia is moving forward with the JEK2 nuclear project, a strategic initiative to increase energy capacity, reduce carbon emissions, and bolster energy security. Initially planned for late 2024, a public referendum to obtain societal approval has been rescheduled for 2028, with construction beginning in 2032. GEN Energija has selected Westinghouse and EDF to conduct a technical feasibility study for the JEK2 nuclear project in Slovenia. The country is also exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for future energy needs. |
| Ukraine12 | Ukraine's nuclear energy, historically providing over half of its electricity, is key to its energy security amid the ongoing war. The country is modernizing its fleet and expanding capacity with Western support to reduce reliance on outdated infrastructure and contribute to Europe's energy needs. |
| Italy13 |
Italy is considering reintroducing nuclear power, with plans for SMRs to boost energy security and decarbonize the sector. This is part of a broader push to meet climate goals. Public opinion is shifting, and companies like Edison are exploring nuclear development. |
| Poland14 | Poland is expanding its nuclear capacity with Westinghouse’s AP1000 reactors, starting in 2026, and is exploring small modular reactors to diversify its energy mix and reduce coal dependency. |
| Estonia15 | Estonia is moving towards nuclear energy, focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs). A government report supports the construction of the country’s first nuclear plant to enhance energy security and meet climate targets, with the first unit potentially operational by 2035. |
| Norway16 |
Norway is exploring SMRs as part of its future energy plans. Norsk Kjernekraft has proposed building SMR plants in northern and southwestern regions, marking a shift towards considering nuclear power for energy security. |
|
Finland17 |
Finland's future nuclear strategy focuses on increasing nuclear energy's role alongside renewables to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035. The Olkiluoto 3 reactor will enhance this effort, and the country is exploring small modular reactors (SMRs) as part of its long-term energy plans. |
Conclusion
With the dawn of 2025, Europe’s nuclear renaissance is no longer just a political ambition - it is a tangible reality taking shape across the continent. From policy reforms to innovative projects, nuclear energy is becoming a cornerstone of Europe’s energy strategy. By addressing its challenges head-on and leveraging its strengths, Europe is well-positioned to lead the world in the development and deployment of nuclear technology.
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References
1 Le retour en grâce du nucléaire | Les Echos
2 Le Royaume-Uni veut quadrupler sa puissance nucléaire et produire du combustible pour les réacteurs avancés - Sfen
3 La Suède affirme ses ambitions nucléaires - Sfen
4 La Belgique veut prolonger son parc nucléaire et construire de nouveaux réacteurs
5 EPR1200 et SMR : EDF signe un accord de coopération en Slovaquie - Sfen
7 La Hongrie va ajouter deux nouveaux réacteurs à sa centrale nucléaire, avec l'aide de la Russie | Euronews
8 Une enveloppe de plus de 300 millions d’euros pour le nucléaire néerlandais - Sfen
9 Romania's NuScale SMR plan gets USD275 million boost - World Nuclear News
10 Westinghouse et EDF en compétition pour le projet nucléaire slovène JEK2 - energynews
11 Avec Washington, l'Ukraine relance la construction de réacteurs - Sfen
12 Meloni seeks to bring nuclear power back to Italy – Financial Times
13 Nucléaire en Pologne : un programme bousculé par la situation géopolitique - Sfen
14 IAEA Delivers Report to Estonia on its Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development | IAEA
15 Paradis de l'hydroélectricité, la Norvège s'intéresse à l'énergie nucléaire
