Brussels considers nuclear energy “green energy”

The EU wants gas and nuclear energy to be classified under certain conditions as green energy. A draft regulation of the European Commission, which has just been made public, states that “it must be acknowledged that the fossil fuel sector, such as gas and nuclear energy, can contribute to the decarbonisation of the European Union economy.”

According to the draft regulation, investments in new nuclear power plants should be classified as green, if the power plants meet the latest technical standards. Another condition is that the new nuclear facilities receive construction permits by 2045.

The EU Commission wants these two forms of energy to be included alongside carbon dioxide-free technologies, such as wind and solar energy, in the so-called taxonomy, which serves as a guide for financial markets, which investments protect the climate and the environment. .

Anger at green politicians

The new draft regulation from Brussels was met with anger by green politicians and opponents of nuclear energy, who are still celebrating the closure on the last day of the year we just left behind the three nuclear power plants in Germany.

Germany opposes the inclusion of nuclear energy in the taxonomy, but considers the production of electricity from gas as a necessary technology of transition towards climate neutrality. For countries like France, nuclear energy is a key technology for a CO2-free economy.

Two weeks consultation

The consultation process between EU member states is expected to take about two weeks. In mid-January the Commission will then submit the final proposal, which may differ from the current proposal.

Its implementation can only be prevented if a qualified majority of member states oppose it. Accordingly, it is necessary for at least 15 EU countries to agree, representing at least 65% of the total EU population./DW

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