France is hosting a meeting of ministers from 16 pro-nuclear European states. The meeting is aimed at coordinating the expansion of atomic power and urging the EU to recognise its role in meeting climate goals for 2050.
EU energy commissioner and representatives from 14 countries, including France Belgium and the Netherlands are attending the meeting. Italy is an observer, and with the EU joining as a non-EU invitee, each country will provide an update on its nuclear project.
French Ministry officials say the participation of the UK will be valuable as the country is building two reactors and could share information on economies of scale. The talks will cover the EU Net Zero Industry Act.
The hydrogen bank’s definitions of low-carbon hydrogen and hydrogen import strategies Strengthening the supply chain and reducing dependence on Russia are also listed as goals for coordination this year.
Countries splintered into pro- and anti-nuclear alliances amid a dispute over whether to count the energy source towards EU renewable energy targets. France and other pro-nuclear states are seeking to improve the status of nuclear energy and boost cooperation between countries that use the technology.
Nuclear energy can produce base-load, carbon dioxide-free electricity in large quantities. European countries, including Poland, are planning their first reactors to help phase out fossil fuels. Countries such as the Czech Republic see nuclear as a key green energy source, unlike coastal states and landlocked states that cannot build large offshore wind farms.
EU opponents nuclear energy site concerns, including waste disposal and maintenance issues that have plagued the French Fleet in recent years, Austria and Luxembourg are taking the EU to court over its decision to officially label nuclear investments green.
