An own goal by the European Union: they closed nuclear power plants, and now they have to build the grid

Europe has decided to reduce emissions, expand renewable sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The goals are understandable. But some European countries gave up nuclear energy too hastily without first securing all the replacements that a reliable power system needs.

Nuclear power plants produce large amounts of electricity with very low lifecycle emissions and can operate independently of sun and wind. Therefore, closing a safe existing power plant without a timely replacement can be an expensive strategic mistake. This does not mean that renewable sources are a problem — rather, that the entire system must be planned together.

Germany shut down its last reactors in 2023

In April 2023, Germany shut down its last three nuclear reactors. The decision had a long political history and was also linked to public attitudes towards nuclear safety, especially after the Fukushima accident. It is not accurate to say that nuclear plants were closed exclusively because of renewables, but by shutting them down, the system lost existing low-emission generation that needed to be replaced by other sources, imports or lower consumption.

The key question for every country should be: with what will we replace generation, how much will it cost and will the system remain reliable?

Nuclear energy is among the cleanest sources by emissions

Lifecycle comparisons take into account not only the operation of the power plant but also construction, fuel, materials and decommissioning. Typical median estimates often cite around 13 grams of CO₂ equivalent per kilowatt-hour for nuclear energy and wind, 43 for solar energy, 486 for natural gas and around 1,001 for coal. These are indicative values, not universal figures for every facility.

Nuclear energy is not without challenges: new power plants require major investments and time, and radioactive waste must be managed long-term. However, its low carbon footprint makes it relevant in the debate on decarbonisation.

The grid is the weak link of the transition

Solar panels produce the most when there is sun, and wind farms depend on wind. Industry and household consumption do not necessarily follow that rhythm. Therefore, power lines, substations, stronger distribution grids, storage, flexible consumption and cross-border connections are needed.

In its 2023 Grids Action Plan, the European Commission estimated that around 584 billion euros of investment in grids is needed during that decade. The Commission also warned that approximately 40 percent of European distribution grids are older than 40 years. Without modernisation, new sources, charging stations and electrified heating cannot be connected quickly and reliably.

Europe still needs nuclear energy

According to 2024 data, renewable sources accounted for approximately 47.5 percent of gross electricity generation in the EU, nuclear energy 23.3 percent, and fossil fuels around 28.3 percent. The figures are rounded and depend on the statistical category.

This shows that nuclear energy still provides more than a fifth of European electricity. When a country closes a nuclear power plant, it must make up for the missing power with other sources or imports. If gas or coal steps in, emissions may rise; if imports are relied upon, capacity availability and prices in neighbouring countries matter.

Industry cannot run on political slogans

Steel, the chemical industry, fertilisers and data centres need large and reliable amounts of energy. High prices or insecure supply can delay investments and reduce competitiveness. Still, closing nuclear plants is not the sole cause of Europe's industrial problems: gas prices, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, global competition, taxes and regulation have also played a part.

A serious comparison must therefore look at total system costs: generation, grid, storage, reserves and power availability during peak consumption hours — not just the price of a single kilowatt-hour from a specific source.

What should Europe do?

• Preserve safe existing nuclear capacities when continued operation is technically and economically justified.
• Expand renewable sources in parallel with investments in the grid, storage and flexibility.
• Accelerate the modernisation of power lines, substations and distribution networks.
• Plan the replacement of power plants before closure, rather than after a shortage arises.
• Publish comparable data on costs, emissions, security of supply and impact on industry.

Conclusion: clean energy also needs common sense

Europe does not have to choose between renewable sources and nuclear energy. Wind and solar reduce emissions, nuclear energy provides stable low-carbon generation, and grids and storage help everything work together.

A real shot in the foot is not investing in renewables. It is shutting down valuable generation capacity without a timely, reliable and economically viable plan for its replacement. If Europe wants to remain an industrial powerhouse, energy policy must be based on physics, economics and long-term planning — rather than the belief that a complex system will adapt on its own to political deadlines.

Sources

• Eurostat — Nuclear energy statistics
• Council of the EU — How electricity is produced and sold
• European Commission — EU Action Plan for Grids
• European Parliament — Grid modernisation challenges
• Comparative lifecycle emissions estimates

Note: the data consists of rounded comparative estimates; check the latest source statistics and methodologies before further citation.