Jun 13, 2025
The EU's nuclear energy initiatives necessitate an investment of 241 billion euros.
The European Commission announced that EU nations' plans to increase nuclear energy capacity will require investments of 241 billion euros ($278 billion) and new funding methods to reduce risks for private investors. By 2050, EU countries aim to boost nuclear power capacity to 109 gigawatts from the current 98 gigawatts.
The draft analysis indicates that 205 billion euros will be needed for new nuclear plants, and an additional 36 billion euros for extending the life of existing reactors, involving both public and private funding. Nuclear power accounted for about 24% of the EU's electricity last year. Due to recent nuclear projects in Europe exceeding budgets and facing delays, the Commission emphasized the need for more financial tools to attract hesitant private investors.
A five-year delay in new projects could add an estimated 45 billion euros to costs by 2050. The Commission suggested that a mix of financing sources and de-risking instruments may address the issue. The draft report, first mentioned by Bloomberg News, highlights ongoing disagreements among EU countries about promoting nuclear energy for CO2 emission reduction, particularly between France, which heavily relies on nuclear power, and Germany, which has historically opposed it.
Consequently, EU energy policies have not specifically incentivized nuclear power, and the EU budget does not support the construction of new plants. The Commission and the European Investment Bank plan to introduce a 500-million-euro pilot program for power purchase agreements that will include nuclear projects. Currently, 12 of the EU's 27 member states operate nuclear reactors, with France having the largest fleet; Slovakia and Hungary are constructing new reactors, while Poland seeks to initiate its first plants.
The draft analysis indicates that 205 billion euros will be needed for new nuclear plants, and an additional 36 billion euros for extending the life of existing reactors, involving both public and private funding. Nuclear power accounted for about 24% of the EU's electricity last year. Due to recent nuclear projects in Europe exceeding budgets and facing delays, the Commission emphasized the need for more financial tools to attract hesitant private investors.
A five-year delay in new projects could add an estimated 45 billion euros to costs by 2050. The Commission suggested that a mix of financing sources and de-risking instruments may address the issue. The draft report, first mentioned by Bloomberg News, highlights ongoing disagreements among EU countries about promoting nuclear energy for CO2 emission reduction, particularly between France, which heavily relies on nuclear power, and Germany, which has historically opposed it.
Consequently, EU energy policies have not specifically incentivized nuclear power, and the EU budget does not support the construction of new plants. The Commission and the European Investment Bank plan to introduce a 500-million-euro pilot program for power purchase agreements that will include nuclear projects. Currently, 12 of the EU's 27 member states operate nuclear reactors, with France having the largest fleet; Slovakia and Hungary are constructing new reactors, while Poland seeks to initiate its first plants.