Which EU countries could reverse their nuclear energy phaseouts?

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🗞️ Driving the news: Several EU countries, notably Belgium and Italy, are reconsidering their nuclear energy phase-outs and exploring the potential for nuclear to contribute to Europe's energy security
• As concerns over energy independence grow, these countries are looking into extending the life of existing reactors or even reintroducing nuclear power plants despite previous public opposition

🔭 The context: While some EU countries, such as Germany and Spain, are firmly moving away from nuclear energy, others like Belgium and Italy are pushing back against the phase-out
• Belgium aims to delay reactor closures, while Italy has drafted legislation to pave the way for a nuclear comeback, despite two past referendums against it
• These shifts are happening as the EU acknowledges nuclear’s role in achieving climate goals, with France leading the charge as part of a broader "Nuclear Alliance"

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Nuclear energy is viewed by some as a low-carbon alternative that could enhance Europe’s energy independence, reducing reliance on energy imports
• However, nuclear energy also raises concerns about long-term radioactive waste storage, safety, and the high costs of plant construction
• If more countries embrace nuclear, it could shift Europe's energy mix and play a critical role in achieving net-zero emissions

⏭️ What's next: Countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands are exploring nuclear energy’s future, though plans face opposition from environmental groups and energy companies preferring renewable sources
• Small modular reactors (SMRs), which are more affordable and quicker to deploy than traditional plants, are being considered by countries like Poland and Estonia as an alternative to large-scale nuclear projects

💬 One quote: “Countries that once treated nuclear as a political problem are starting to rediscover it as an energy system that already exists, already works, and already delivers large amounts of low-carbon power,” said nuclear advocate Zion Lights

📈 One stat: Nuclear energy accounted for less than 30% of the EU’s total electricity generation in 2024, with renewable energy still lagging behind in meeting the continent's electricity needs

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