Faced with new energy shock, Europe asks if reviving nuclear is the answer
Faced with new energy shock, Europe asks if reviving nuclear is the answer
European families and industries are grappling with soaring energy costs, as gas prices and petrol expenses continue to climb. Amid this uncertainty, the UK government has urged citizens to remain composed, while the European Commission has promoted remote work and reduced travel to ease demand. Policymakers caution that the situation could worsen, particularly if geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalate further.
Energy independence revisited
Europe’s recent shift toward energy self-reliance echoes past challenges, when the continent faced a cost-of-living crisis driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This has reignited discussions about securing energy sources within the region. Nuclear power, once sidelined, is now gaining traction as a key component of Europe’s domestic energy strategy, with both the UK and the EU reconsidering its role.
A retreat from nuclear power
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently called the continent’s previous abandonment of nuclear energy a “strategic mistake.” In 1990, nuclear accounted for nearly a third of Europe’s electricity generation, but that figure has dropped to an average of 15%. This decline has left Europe reliant on costly and unpredictable fossil fuel imports, putting it at a disadvantage globally.
Country-specific energy dynamics
While gas prices rise uniformly across Europe, electricity costs vary significantly due to differing energy mixes. Spain, with its heavy investment in wind and solar, is projected to have electricity prices roughly half of Italy’s for the remainder of 2026. In contrast, Germany’s reliance on gas for 90% of its electricity pricing has led to stark disparities, with next-month prices five times higher than in France, which continues to rely heavily on nuclear.
Nuclear’s resurgence
France remains Europe’s largest nuclear producer, generating 65% of its electricity through this method. At a recent summit in Paris, von der Leyen emphasized that nuclear power is essential for balancing energy security with climate goals. President Emmanuel Macron echoed this, highlighting nuclear’s potential to support artificial intelligence growth by enabling data centers and computing infrastructure.
A turning point for Germany
Germany, which had previously phased out nuclear after the 2011 Fukushima disaster, is now aligning with EU energy policies. The country has agreed to remove barriers that once disadvantaged nuclear in EU legislation, a move possibly influenced by security concerns amid strained ties with the Trump administration. Berlin has also asked France to expand its nuclear deterrent to other European nations, a proposal France has accepted.
“To build national resilience, drive energy security, and deliver economic growth, we need nuclear,” stated Reeves.
Despite renewed interest, experts caution against viewing nuclear as a universal solution. The development of nuclear infrastructure requires years, and its long-term viability depends on sustained investment and regulatory support. As Europe navigates this crisis, the balance between immediate relief and strategic energy planning remains a critical debate.
