Nuclear Power: Europe’s Potential Answer to the Energy Crisis

The renewed scramble for energy security in Europe has thrust nuclear power into the spotlight as policymakers weigh whether the technology can plug the gap left by dwindling fossil supplies.

Why nuclear power is back on Europe’s agenda

War‑time price spikes and supply disruptions have forced Brussels to revisit the continent’s long‑term decarbonisation blueprint. According to Reuters, the EU’s projected electricity shortfall could reach ↓ 8% by 2028 without a new baseload source.

“We cannot afford to gamble with intermittent renewables alone,” said a senior French energy minister.

Policy shifts in Sweden, Belgium and Italy

Sweden has lifted its 40‑year moratorium, Belgium plans to restart two reactors, and Italy is negotiating a joint venture to import reactors from the United States. The combined capacity increase is estimated at ↑ 15% over the next five years.

France and the United Kingdom, already leaders in new‑build projects, are accelerating licensing pipelines, while the broader debate circles back to the strategic role of nuclear in a resilient grid.

Dispatch from Julian Vance (Senior Global Security Correspondent).