Across Europe, rising gas prices and fuel costs are once again putting pressure on households and businesses. As energy bills climb, concerns are growing about the continent’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and its vulnerability to global crises.
While governments like the UK have urged calm, the European Commission has advised citizens to reduce travel and work more from home to limit energy demand. Officials warn the situation could worsen, particularly depending on developments in the Middle East.
This renewed pressure has brought energy independence back into focus. After the shock of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Europe is once again reassessing how it powers its economies.
Nuclear energy returns to the spotlight
Nuclear power is increasingly being reconsidered as part of Europe’s long-term energy strategy. Speaking at a recent summit in Paris, Ursula von der Leyen described Europe’s move away from nuclear energy in past decades as a “strategic mistake.”
In 1990, nuclear energy accounted for around one-third of Europe’s electricity production. Today, that figure has dropped to about 15%, increasing reliance on imported oil and gas. Currently, Europe imports more than half of its energy needs, exposing it to supply disruptions and price volatility.
Countries with different energy mixes are experiencing varying impacts. Spain, with strong investment in renewables, faces lower electricity costs compared to Italy, where gas heavily influences pricing. Meanwhile, France, which generates about 65% of its electricity from nuclear power, enjoys significantly lower prices than Germany, which phased out nuclear energy after the Fukushima disaster.
A shift in political attitudes
Several European nations are now reconsidering nuclear energy:
- Italy is exploring lifting its long-standing nuclear ban
- Belgium is revisiting earlier plans to phase out nuclear
- Sweden has reversed decades-old anti-nuclear policies
- Greece has opened discussions on new reactor technologies
In the UK, the government is also accelerating nuclear development, with policymakers highlighting its role in energy security and economic growth.
French President Emmanuel Macron has been one of the strongest advocates, arguing that nuclear power is essential for both energy independence and reducing carbon emissions. He also points to its importance in supporting future technologies such as artificial intelligence and data centres.
Limits and challenges
Despite growing support, nuclear energy is not a quick solution. Building new reactors takes years, often decades, and projects frequently face delays and cost overruns, as seen with Hinkley Point C and France’s Flamanville project.
There are also ongoing concerns about safety, waste management and public acceptance, especially in the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Experts caution that nuclear expansion requires significant investment and long-term planning. Many existing reactors in Europe are ageing, and maintaining current capacity alone will require substantial funding.
The role of new technologies
To address cost and scalability issues, the EU is investing in small modular reactors (SMRs). These smaller, factory-built reactors are seen as more flexible and potentially cheaper than traditional plants.
However, SMRs remain largely unproven at commercial scale, and no projects have yet been fully approved within the EU. At the same time, research into nuclear fusion continues, though practical applications are still years away.
A long-term solution, not an immediate fix
While nuclear energy is gaining renewed attention, it cannot resolve Europe’s current energy crisis in the short term. For now, the continent remains heavily dependent on fossil fuel imports.
The challenge for policymakers is balancing immediate energy needs with long-term strategies that ensure stability, affordability and sustainability. Nuclear power may play a key role in that future—but it will require time, investment and political commitment to deliver.
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