Faced with new energy shock, Europe asks if reviving nuclear is the answer
Faced with new energy shock, Europe asks if reviving nuclear is the answer
Families and industries across Europe are bracing for rising energy costs as gas prices and fuel expenses climb sharply. While the UK government has urged citizens to remain composed, the European Commission has pushed for reduced travel and more remote work. Policymakers warn that the situation could deteriorate further if geopolitical tensions in the Middle East intensify. Yet, this crisis feels familiar to many, echoing the energy challenges from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine two years ago. Discussions now center on energy independence, with nuclear power emerging as a potential solution for Europe’s energy needs.
The Cost of Energy
Europe’s energy mix has long relied on fossil fuel imports, accounting for over 50% of its total energy supply. This reliance has made the continent susceptible to supply shocks, such as those caused by Russia’s export restrictions, or price spikes driven by global market shifts. Gas prices have surged uniformly across the region, but electricity costs vary significantly depending on each country’s energy sources. In Spain, where wind and solar dominate, electricity prices are expected to be roughly half of Italy’s by the end of 2026. France, however, remains a stark contrast, generating 65% of its electricity from nuclear power.
Nuclear as a Strategic Move
At a recent summit in Paris, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized the continent’s earlier rejection of nuclear energy as a “strategic mistake.” In 1990, nuclear power supplied nearly a third of Europe’s electricity, but that figure has dropped to 15% today. This decline has left Europe vulnerable to volatile imports, a situation von der Leyen highlighted as a disadvantage compared to other global regions. Germany, once a vocal opponent of nuclear, has now endorsed its inclusion in EU energy policy, signaling a shift in priorities.
Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear after the 2011 Fukushima disaster left its energy-intensive industries—cars and chemicals—deeply reliant on gas. This dependency has contributed to rising electricity costs, with German prices for next month projected to be five times higher than in France. Economic research institutes in Berlin have revised their 2026 growth forecasts to 0.6% of GDP due to these price hikes. Meanwhile, France continues to champion nuclear power, framing it as essential for both energy security and climate goals.
“To build national resilience, drive energy security and deliver economic growth, we need nuclear,” said Reeves.
President Emmanuel Macron emphasized nuclear’s role in balancing energy autonomy with decarbonization, calling it “key to reconciling both independence and carbon neutrality.” He also linked nuclear power to future demands from AI, suggesting it could enable the expansion of data centers and computing infrastructure. Despite earlier resistance, Germany has agreed to remove anti-nuclear biases in EU legislation, a change some speculate may stem from security concerns following strained ties with the Trump administration.
Energy Panacea or Partial Solution?
While enthusiasm for nuclear is growing, experts caution against seeing it as a universal remedy. The development of nuclear infrastructure requires years of planning and investment, making it a long-term strategy rather than an immediate response. As Europe navigates this crisis, the debate over nuclear’s role in the energy mix continues, with its potential to stabilize supply and reduce emissions under scrutiny.
