nucleareurope discusses nuclear perspectives in European energy policy at Franco-Spanish nuclear industry day.
On 2 April 2025, nucleareurope Legal and International Relations Director Berta Picamal participated in the fifth Franco-Spanish nuclear industry day, which brought together French and Spanish industry representatives and businesses. The Paris-held event highlighted the strong links between the French and Spanish nuclear industries, and explored key developments at national and European levels.
In her intervention, Berta specifically discussed the perspectives for nuclear in European energy policy. She noted that in 2024, nuclear was the single largest source of electricity generation in the EU, accounting for close to a quarter of all electricity produced. She further stressed that the benefits of nuclear as a stable, affordable energy source are becoming clear for many European Member States, who have announced plans to continue using existing nuclear capacities, or to invest in new build.
“Nuclear is increasingly recognised as an essential component of a stable, affordable and decarbonised European energy system, the growth of the Nuclear Alliance of Member States and the recent creation of the European Nuclear Business Alliance shows commitment from both public and private actors.” said Berta, noting that these developments reinforce the possibility of reaching the Nuclear Alliance objective of 150 Gigawatts (GW) of nuclear installed capacity in the EU by 2050.
Berta then outlined the benefits of aiming for such an objective, noting that more nuclear will lead to faster decarbonisation, lower energy system costs and increased security of supply, as highlighted by the pathways to 2050 study. She added that investing in existing and future nuclear capacities will strengthen European competitiveness, supporting economic growth and job creation in the EU.
Concluding her presentation, Berta detailed key European initiatives on nuclear. She noted that the creation of the European Industrial Alliance on SMRs in 2024 as well as the technologically neutral approach of the recently released Clean Industrial Deal and Affordable Energy Plan were positive signs for nuclear. She however stressed that nuclear remains excluded from many EU funding and financing tools, and called for nuclear to be supported in upcoming European policies, such as the Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC) or the Multi-Annual Financial Framework (MFF).