Commission assesses nuclear investment needs by 2050 in view of decarbonisation and competitiveness goals
Delivering Member States’ plans regarding nuclear energy will require significant investments, of around €241 billion until 2050, both for lifetime extensions of existing reactors and the construction of new large-scale reactors. Additional investments are needed for small modular reactors, advanced modular reactors, and microreactors and in fusion for the longer-term future, the Commission has assessed in its eighth nuclear illustrative programme (‘PINC’).
For some EU countries, nuclear energy is an important component of decarbonisation, industrial competitiveness, and security of supply strategies. The Commission estimates that over 90% of electricity in the EU in 2040 will be produced from decarbonised sources, primarily renewables, complemented by nuclear energy. Nuclear installed capacity across the EU is projected to grow from 98 gigawatt electrical (GWe) in 2025 to 109 around GWe by 2050. Crucially, all zero and low carbon energy solutions are needed to decarbonise the EU’s energy system.
It is therefore important to maintain the EU’s industrial leadership in this sector. This nuclear illustrative programme will help drive Member States’ actions towards priority areas.
