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

Europeans are now grappling with soaring energy costs as gas prices and vehicle fuel expenses climb sharply. While the UK government advises citizens to stay calm, the European Commission has urged people to reduce travel and adopt remote work. Policymakers caution that the situation could worsen, especially if tensions in the Middle East intensify. This resurgence of energy concerns echoes the previous cost-of-living crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, prompting renewed discussions about energy self-reliance.

Amid this backdrop, nuclear energy has re-emerged as a focal point in Europe’s energy strategy. The recent Paris summit highlighted this shift, with Ursula von der Leyen, the EU’s executive head, criticizing the continent’s earlier rejection of nuclear power as a “strategic mistake.” In 1990, nuclear accounted for roughly a third of Europe’s electricity. Today, it provides only about 15%, leaving the region reliant on costly and unstable fossil fuel imports.

Europe imports over 50% of its energy, primarily oil and gas, making it susceptible to supply disruptions or price surges. The recent blockage of energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz has already driven up costs, mirroring the 2011 crisis when Russia curtailed supplies. Electricity price variations across the continent reflect differing energy sources: in Spain, renewables dominate, while in Italy, gas influences 90% of prices. France stands out as the largest nuclear producer, generating 65% of its power from this source, contrasting sharply with Germany’s current 15%.

Germany’s reliance on gas has grown since its 2011 decision to phase out nuclear energy after the Fukushima disaster. This has affected its industrial sectors, including car and chemical manufacturing. Recently, Berlin’s economic research bodies slashed 2026 growth projections to 0.6% GDP, citing global gas price spikes. Despite this, a growing sentiment supports nuclear as a cornerstone of Europe’s energy future.

“To build national resilience, drive energy security, and deliver economic growth, we need nuclear,” stated Reeves, underscoring its potential role in the region’s energy strategy.

France, a vocal proponent of nuclear, has championed its benefits for climate goals and energy independence. President Macron emphasized nuclear’s role in balancing decarbonization with energy sovereignty, particularly as AI-driven demand increases. The summit also revealed Germany’s pivot: it has removed anti-nuclear bias in EU legislation, easing tensions with France. This move aligns with broader security concerns, though some speculate it may relate to geopolitical shifts, such as those influenced by the Trump administration.

Yet, experts warn against viewing nuclear as a universal solution. Its development requires time, and while it offers stability, challenges remain in scaling production and public acceptance. As Europe navigates this crisis, the question persists: can nuclear power deliver the quick relief needed, or will it take years to become a viable answer?