Ursula Von der Leyen presented an EU strategy with billions of investments in nuclear technologies
The European Union plans to simplify regulatory rules for the development of nuclear innovations to stimulate investment and large-scale implementation of small modular reactors. This was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the World Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris.
She stressed that affordable electricity is key to the development of European industry and the well-being of citizens. According to her, electricity prices in Europe remain too high at present.
“Electricity prices in Europe are structurally too high. Because affordable electricity is not only important for the cost of living of our citizens, but also crucial for the competitiveness of our industry. This is because the industries of the future will be built on clean, affordable electricity,” von der Leyen said.
She also noted that the development of robotics and artificial intelligence requires significant amounts of stable electricity supply, which nuclear energy can provide.
To implement these plans, the European Commission proposes three main areas of work. The first is the creation of so-called regulatory “sandboxes”, where companies can test new technologies without unnecessary bureaucracy. The second is to mobilize financial support for the industry.
“We will create a guarantee of 200 million euros to support investments in innovative nuclear technologies. The resources will come from our Emissions Trading System,” the President of the European Commission announced.
The third direction involves scaling up business models through cooperation between EU member states. This involves harmonizing regulatory rules, accelerating permit issuance, and developing nuclear fuel supply chains with reliable partners.
Von der Leyen stressed that the European Union aims to launch new technologies in the energy sector as early as the early 2030s.
“Our goal is simple. We want this new technology to be operational in Europe by the early 2030s, so that it can play a key role alongside traditional reactors in a flexible, safe, and efficient energy system,” she said.
According to the President of the European Commission, Europe has significant potential in this area. The EU nuclear industry employs around half a million highly skilled professionals, more than in the US or China.
“Next-generation nuclear reactors can become a high-value European high-tech export. We have the ambition to move fast and far to make Europe the global hub for next-generation nuclear energy,” Ursula von der Leyen concluded.
