The European Commission has released its assessment for nuclear investment needs in the Union, estimating that €241bn in investments will be required by 2050, both for lifetime extensions of existing reactors and the construction of new large-scale reactors. Additional investments are needed for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) and microreactors and in fusion for the longer-term future, according to the Commission’s draft eighth nuclear illustrative programme (PINC).
According to the assessment, nuclear installed capacity across the EU is projected to grow from about 98 GW in 2025 to 109 GW by 2050. The Commission also estimates that over 90% of electricity in the EU in 2040 will be produced from decarbonised sources, primarily renewables, complemented by nuclear energy.
The Commission will publish the final version of the PINC after receiving the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee.