Foratom welcomes Commission nuclear energy programme

Foratom, the body that represents the nuclear industry in  Europe, says that it welcomes the intention of the European Commission to publish an 'Illustrative Programme for Nuclear Energy' (PINC) by the end of the year. 

The commission is mandated by the Euratom Treaty to periodically issue a new PINC to indicate targets and programmes for nuclear production and the corresponding investment required. Since the publication of the latest PINC in 2007, the situation for nuclear power has changed considerably both within the EU and globally, says Foratom.

The financial crisis, the Fukushima accident and the tensions in Ukraine have all had an impact on the energy sector as a whole as well as on the nuclear sector.  Nevertheless, global interest in nuclear power is growing and there are currently more nuclear power plants under construction around the world than there have ever been (67 reactors – source IAEA).

The confirmation by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that nuclear power is “an effective greenhouse gas mitigation option” needs to be underlined in the PINC, says Foratom. The Brussels-based body says the EU should maintain at least the current capacity of nuclear generation up to and beyond 2050.  "This will entail the commissioning of more than 100 nuclear reactors over the next 35 years. Major investments will be required in nuclear new build, lifetime extension and safety upgrades, fuel cycle operations, decommissioning and waste management," said a Foratom spokeman. Foratom says nuclear energy contributes to all three objectives of EU energy policy: security of supply, decarbonization of the electricity sector and competitive power prices.

"The EC acknowledges in its 'Policy framework for climate and energy in the period from 2020 to 2030', published in January 2014, that nuclear contributes to a competitive, secure and sustainable energy system in the EU."

"Foratom asks the commission to apply a technology neutral approach which will facilitate investment in all low-carbon technologies including nuclear, and provide a stable regulatory and investment framework."

Its position paper highlights the actions needed on energy market design to restore confidence among potential investors. There should be no discrimination between technologies that deliver low-carbon energy, and full account should be taken of system costs.  It recommends that:  There should be no nuclear-specific taxes.  The process for obtaining clearance for state aid from DG Competition must be clear and completed to a strict timetable.  The Commission should not discriminate between low-carbon technologies, which include nuclear energy as well as renewable energy sources.

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