In an opinion on the new Illustrative Nuclear Programme for the Community (PINC), drafted by Brian Curtis (United Kingdom, Group II, Workers) and adopted on Thursday 22 September, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) calls for the adoption of a more comprehensive nuclear strategy that also covers questions on competitiveness, the economy, security of supply, climate change and public acceptability.
In Curtis' view, the strategy tabled by the Commission at the beginning of April (see EUROPE 11524), "does not offer a clear and comprehensive approach to the future of nuclear power in Europe". He highlights the need for long-term planning for nuclear energy, as called for by European citizens since the Fukishima disaster in Japan in March 2011.
In compliance with Article 40 of the Euratom treaty, the EESC has been the Commission's only interlocutor in drawing up the PINC.
Its opinion on the 2016 PINC calls for substantial revision to the communication, notably to include sections on the competitiveness of nuclear power and its related economic aspects, its contribution to the security of supply, its contribution to the fight against climate change and the reduction of carbon targets, its public acceptability, liability for nuclear damages, transparency, and dialogue at national level.
The EESC considers that nuclear power is a politically sensitive question in the majority of member states and suggests that the Commission proposes a clear analytical process and methodology in the PINC, providing a consistent, voluntary framework for national decision-making about the role – if any – of nuclear power in the energy mix.
The EESC also believes better national coordination between member states, improved cooperation between stakeholders and greater transparency and public participation in nuclear issues should be given priority in the PINC.
With regard to public acceptability, the EESC notes the "the wide variation across the EU on public attitudes to nuclear power is a little understood reality with significant effects on political acceptability". It therefore calls for more information to be given on extensive work on off-site and cross-border preparation for emergencies and response to potential terrorist threats.
The opinion notes that lifetime extension programmes (for 10-20 years) for many EU reactors are in the pipeline, with an estimated cost of €45-50 billion. There are plans for 50 reactors to be shut down by 2025, and operators estimate that €253 billion will be required for the costs of decommissioning, with €133 billion of specific funds identified.
Among the major uncertainties identified by the EESC are the extent to which the Paris Agreement on climate change will be implemented, the volatility of the international market in fossil fuels, the rate at which new technologies will be applied, which countries will be members of the EU, the influence of the global economic outlook and how much of the investment required in the whole energy chain will be forthcoming.
The EESC will present its recommendations to political decision-makers and stakeholders during the next European Forum on Nuclear Power, in Bratislava on 3-4 October. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)