Nuclear energy in the EU: Challenges and opportunities

Join this online debate to examine the evolving role of nuclear energy in the EU, including its potential for achieving decarbonisation goals, the development of Small Modular Reactors, and the European Commission’s shifting stance on nuclear as a key contributor to a sustainable energy future.

Achieving a 90% GHG reduction by 2040 will require the (quasi) complete decarbonisation of the electricity system. Since electricity falls within the ETS, the economic signals to drive this transformation are expected to be in place. Nuclear energy is increasingly recognised as a key and growing contributor to this goal in an increasing number of Member States.

In recent statements, the Commission is gradually becoming more positive and proactive: first, on the value of nuclear for achieving decarbonisation goals (with the traditional caveat of ‘for those Member States that choose this path’); secondly, on the importance of the EU being a technology leader; and finally, on the enormous potential of Small Nuclear Reactors.

Against this backdrop, the next Commission will need to determine how to support these developments effectively. This webinar looks to review developments in the nuclear sector and ask – What’s next for the EU?

• How are the new investments being financed and what is coming down the road?
• How advanced is SMR development, and when can we expect the first investments? Should the EU’s safety and security evolve to reflect the unique challenges of SMRs?
• Should EU financing instruments be made available for nuclear investments?
• What other actions will be necessary for the next Commission to support nuclear energy?
• How will the EU’s approach to State aid for nuclear evolve, considering the CfD requirement in the NZIA?
• EU technology leadership in nuclear is an important goal – what needs to be done?

Keynote address:

Jan Panek | DG ENER

Panel debate:

Brian Scott-Quinn | ICMA-Center

Aymen Grira | Westinghouse

Antoine Bizet | EDF

Moderators:

Christopher Jones | FSR
Andris Piebalgs | FSR