European nations are showing a renewed interest in nuclear energy as they seek greater energy independence amid shifting geopolitical and economic conditions. Denmark, long known for its strong reliance on wind and solar, is now reevaluating its 40-year ban on nuclear energy, signaling a major policy shift. While Denmark emphasizes that solar and wind remain central to its green transition, officials recognize the potential role that advanced nuclear energy technologies—like small modular reactors—could play in complementing intermittent renewables.
This trend is not isolated. Spain has hinted at the possibility of delaying the retirement of its nuclear plants, despite previous plans to phase them out entirely by 2035. Environmental Transition Minister Sara Aagesen clarified that while no concrete proposals are currently on the table, the option remains under consideration. This openness follows a massive blackout in Spain, Portugal, and southern France, which sparked debate about the resilience of renewable-heavy energy systems, though officials later clarified that record renewable energy use was not to blame.
Germany, another nation with a historically anti-nuclear stance, has also softened its position. After shutting down its last three nuclear reactors in 2023, the new government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz has dropped its objection to French efforts to classify nuclear energy alongside renewables in EU legislation. This move suggests a willingness to cooperate more closely with France on long-term energy policy, despite deep-seated historical differences on the issue.
One of the drivers behind this shifting sentiment is the so-called “hidden cost” of renewable energy—namely, the growing challenges of balancing and transporting electricity from intermittent sources like wind and solar. Georg Zachmann of Bruegel, a Brussels-based think tank, noted that while the cost of renewables has fallen sharply—by over 80% in recent years—the associated system costs are becoming more apparent as their share in the energy mix increases.
Despite this, nuclear energy remains a controversial and divisive issue in Europe. Critics argue that nuclear plants are expensive, slow to build, and fraught with safety and waste disposal concerns. Environmental groups contend that investments in nuclear divert attention and resources away from faster, cleaner, and cheaper options. Even advocates admit that new nuclear projects are hard to finance and may not yield returns for decades.
Yet, proponents see potential in next-generation nuclear technologies like small modular reactors, which they hope will overcome some of the financial and logistical barriers of traditional reactors. Zachmann notes that the appeal of these innovations captures the imagination of both industry leaders and policymakers, even if their economic viability remains uncertain.
According to Ember, a climate and energy think tank, the EU saw nuclear generation increase by 3.1% in the first half of the previous year, alongside a rapid rise in renewables that pushed wind and solar to 30% of the bloc’s electricity mix. As countries continue to juggle energy reliability, climate goals, and geopolitical stability, nuclear energy is once again becoming part of the conversation—though not without intense debate.