Brussels, 17 April 2015: New nuclear build and life extension of the existing National Purchasing Partners (NPP) fleet in Europe are essential to achieve the main objectives of the EU energy policy: clean energy, affordable prices and security of supply. Discussing the importance of nuclear energy for meeting the energy demands for European countries, yesterday New Nuclear Watch Europe’s roundtable on the Future of Nuclear Energy Europe showcased the critical role of nuclear energy in the future of EU energy policy.
The European Commission confirmed that nuclear energy is part of the strategic energy plan for the European Union, emphasizing that companies need a long-term plan to manage nuclear energy. Massimo Garribba, Head of Nuclear Safety and Fuel Cycle Directorate DG Energy, has agreed with the point brought in by experts that nuclear energy contributes significantly to decarbonisation and overall energy security and remain one of the most economically feasible solutions, stressing however, that it is for the member states to choose their path to meeting the GHG emission targets.
MP House of Commons and Chair of New Nuclear Watch Europe, Tim Yeo, stated that “Nuclear energy is the only solution for Europe if clean energy, affordable prices and security of supply remain priorities for the European Union.”
Head of a London based investment research firm Trusted Sources, Christopher Granville, pointed out that the main risks to the security of supply in the nuclear industry stem not from dependency on foreign fuel supply, where the present balance of market and regulatory forces ensures energy security, but rather come from underinvestment, delays and cost overruns in new build.
AREVA Representative to the EU Institutions, Baptiste Buet, referenced the need for state support as an essential element for underpinning the development of the nuclear industry in the Europe.
Dr. Kirill Komarov, First Deputy CEO of Rosatom said, “We for decades have been supplying nuclear fuel to many countries in the world and remain a reliable partner for Europe in development of its nuclear power sector. We are in favour of free and fair market competition where safety, quality and reliability always win, and maintain that nuclear should be partitioned off from the vicissitudes of geopolitics”.