Faced with new energy shock, Europe asks if reviving nuclear is the answer

Faced with New Energy Shock, Europe Questions if Reviving Nuclear is the Answer

Across Europe, households and businesses are closely monitoring surging gas and petrol costs, which have reached unprecedented levels. While the UK government has urged citizens to remain composed, the European Commission has encouraged remote work and reduced travel to mitigate the crisis. Analysts caution that the situation might intensify further, particularly if tensions in the Middle East escalate. This marks a return to discussions about energy independence, with nuclear power resurging as a key component of Europe’s domestic energy strategy.

A Strategic Reassessment

At the recent Paris-based European Nuclear Energy Summit, Ursula von der Leyen, the EU’s executive head, criticized Europe’s earlier rejection of nuclear energy as a “strategic mistake.” In 1990, nuclear power supplied roughly a third of the continent’s electricity, but that figure has dropped to 15%, leaving Europe reliant on costly and unpredictable fossil fuel imports. This dependence, she argued, puts the region at a disadvantage globally.

Europe imports over 50% of its energy, predominantly oil and gas. Recent disruptions, such as Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, have led to sharp price increases, echoing the challenges faced after Russia’s energy export sanctions. Gas prices have risen uniformly across the continent, yet electricity costs vary significantly due to differing energy mixes. In Spain, which prioritizes wind and solar, average prices for the rest of 2026 are projected to be about half those in Italy, where gas dominates 90% of power generation.

France and Germany: A Tale of Two Approaches

France remains the continent’s largest nuclear producer, generating around 65% of its electricity from this source. In contrast, Germany’s reliance on gas has driven electricity prices five times higher than in France, according to current contracts. The country’s decision to phase out nuclear after the 2011 Fukushima disaster left its energy-intensive industries—cars and chemicals—vulnerable to global price swings. This week, Berlin’s top economic think tanks slashed their 2026 growth forecasts to 0.6% of GDP, citing the impact of rising gas costs.

Revived interest in nuclear energy is evident across Europe, with calls for it to bolster national resilience and economic growth. “To build national resilience, drive energy security and deliver economic growth, we need nuclear,” stated Reeves. New polling from YouGov highlights growing public support for nuclear in Scotland, where most now favor it as part of the country’s energy portfolio. France, however, is the most vocal proponent, with President Emmanuel Macron advocating for nuclear as a bridge between energy sovereignty and decarbonisation. “Nuclear power is key to reconciling both independence, and thus energy sovereignty, with decarbonisation, and thus carbon neutrality,” he emphasized.

Security and the Path Forward

Germany’s recent shift from opposing nuclear in EU legislation to endorsing its inclusion signals a broader realignment. This change may stem from security concerns exacerbated by strained ties with the Trump administration. Berlin has now requested France to expand its nuclear deterrent to other European nations, a proposal France has accepted. Yet, nuclear is not a universal solution. Its development requires long-term investment, and its role as a “panacea” remains debated.