EU needs €350 billion for nuclear energy by 2050

The European Union (EU) needs to invest significantly in nuclear energy to meet future electricity demands. Currently, nuclear energy provides about 22.8% of the EU's total electricity. France is the largest producer, generating 55% of this output with its 57 reactors. Following France, Spain and Sweden produce 9% and almost 8% respectively. However, investment in new nuclear reactors is low. Only two new reactors are currently being built in the EU—one in France and one in Slovakia. In contrast, Russia is planning 14 new reactors, six of which are already under construction. Experts warn that the EU may not have enough reactors in the future to replace the ones that will shut down, which could threaten energy security. The World Nuclear Association (WNA) estimates that the EU needs to invest at least €350 billion in new reactors by 2050. This is part of a larger investment plan totaling up to €755 billion for decommissioning and waste management. The focus for future investments will likely be in central and eastern Europe, with several new reactors planned across various countries. Poland seems particularly eager to expand its nuclear energy capability, proposing 26 new reactors. Currently, France relies heavily on nuclear power, with it providing 65% of its electricity. Conversely, Germany and the Netherlands rely much less on nuclear energy, with only 1.4% and 3.3% of their electricity coming from nuclear plants.