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As German election nears, EU plays for time on nuclear’s green recognition
(EurActiv, 10 Sep 2021) The inclusion of nuclear power in the EU’s green finance taxonomy is “the most likely” outcome in view of the scientific reports submitted to the European Commission in the past months, EU experts believe. But Brussels is not entirely decided yet and is seen playing for time before the German election this month.
Is nuclear electricity a green source of energy or does it pose a “significant harm” to the environment?
This seemingly simple debate, which has divided EU politicians for the last two years, is about to reach its climax with a decision expected in the coming months.
Following positive expert assessments submitted to the European Commission before the summer break, the EU executive is now widely expected to recognise nuclear power as a ‘green’ technology under the EU’s sustainable finance taxonomy.
“It is very complicated today to scientifically demonstrate that nuclear waste poses a ‘significant’ environmental problem that cannot be overcome,” said Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, a researcher and director at the Jacques Delors Institute’s energy centre.
The Commission’s in-house scientific body, the Joint Research Centre, released a much-awaited report on nuclear power on 2 April. Its conclusions were clear: nuclear power is a safe, low-carbon energy source comparable to wind and hydropower, and as such, it qualifies for a green investment label under the EU’s green finance taxonomy.
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EurActiv, 10 Sep 2021: As German election nears, EU plays for time on nuclear’s green recognition
