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Nuclear and natural gas plants can be considered “green energy”, according to new plans presented by the European Union.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The European Commission has said it has decided that both types of energy should be classified as “sustainable investments” if they meet certain conditions.<\/p>\n
However, this decision has divided the EU, as the plans have been strongly opposed by some members.<\/p>\n
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has said that “nuclear energy is neither green nor sustainable”.<\/p>\n
“I do not understand this decision of the EU,” he said.<\/p>\n
Austria has already threatened to take legal action if plans move forward.<\/p>\n
Luxembourg has also said it will join legal action against the European Commission.<\/p>\n
The EU itself aims to become climate neutral by 2050.<\/p>\n
The European Commission believes that to get there, there must be large private investment.<\/p>\n
Spain has also vehemently opposed the idea, which has been discussed for months, before being proposed on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
However, the opposition is balanced by the support of countries that use nuclear energy such as France.<\/p>\n
Nuclear energy emits less carbon but poses other safety concerns and requires the disposal of hazardous waste.<\/p>\n
The classification of natural gas as “sustainable” is supported by those who argue that some energy-dependent coal-rich countries – such as Poland – could benefit from incentives to switch to cleaner energy.<\/p>\n
Germany, a powerful country in the bloc’s European policies, depends on gas for some of its energy, although its environment minister, Steffi Lemke, has criticized the bloc’s plans.<\/p>\n
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