France Pushes for Nuclear Power in EU Energy Strategy Amid Decarbonisation Efforts

France Pushes for Nuclear Power in EU Energy Strategy

France has called for nuclear energy to be recognized as a core part of the European Union’s climate policy. At the recent EU energy summit in Brussels, Ecological Transition Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher emphasized the need to treat nuclear like wind and solar. France wants nuclear included in the EU’s “green” investment list to unlock funding and policy support.

France Proposes Law Based on Carbon Intensity

Pannier-Runacher urged EU ministers to replace the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) with a carbon intensity-based law. The current RED targets 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. France argues this approach overlooks low-carbon sources like nuclear. A carbon-based system would give nuclear fair recognition in Europe’s net-zero goals.

Broader EU Support for Technology-Neutral Policy

Other EU countries echoed France’s call for a technology-neutral energy policy. Nations such as Czechia, Finland, and Italy supported including nuclear alongside renewables. They emphasized that each country should choose energy sources based on emissions, not category. Ireland’s Eamon Ryan also urged unity, warning that fragmented approaches could raise costs and hurt energy security.

Infrastructure and Fossil Fuel Dependence in Focus

Ministers agreed that better energy infrastructure is essential. They stressed the need to expand cross-border power grids and electrify transport and industry. The energy crisis of 2022 highlighted the risks of volatile prices. Belgium’s minister proposed unlinking renewable electricity prices from fossil fuels. This could lower costs and support a greener grid.

Geothermal Energy Gains Momentum

Geothermal energy also drew attention at the summit. Hungary led the push, citing its vast geothermal potential. Ministers noted that geothermal offers stable, weather-independent power. EU countries called for faster permits and a European Geothermal Action Plan. They see geothermal as a key player in Europe’s clean energy mix.