A new report shows the benefits to the economy and employment of investing in nuclear power
A new study prepared by Deloitte for the nuclear industry association Nucleareurope underscores the considerable economic and employment advantages that greater investment in nuclear power would bring to the European Union. The findings present a powerful economic case for scaling up nuclear deployment —from reinforcing energy security to bolstering job growth and broadening public finances.
Expansion = economic gains
The report compares different nuclear deployment scenarios. According to Nucleareurope, with 150 GW of nuclear capacity installed by 2050 (up from 106 GW today), the EU is expected to generate approximately $330 billion in annual economic output and sustain around 1.5 million jobs across the bloc. Pushing nuclear capacity to 200 GW could maintain 1.6 million jobs every day.
In the current energy mix, the nuclear sector already contributes around $251 billion in annual economic output and supports 883,000 jobs. It is also a substantial source of public revenue, contributing about $47.6 billion annually, indicates Nucleareurope.
Today’s nuclear sector already accounts for €251 bn in output, €47.6 bn in public revenues, and 883,000 jobs
A multiplier effect
Nucleareurope emphasizes that these benefits flow not just from new installations but through broader ripple effects. Employment gains will extend into manufacturing, engineering, construction, services and supply chains, while consumer spending by nuclear sector employees will lift businesses in towns and villages across Europe. Additionally, the productivity of nuclear workers, reports Nucleareurope, supports broader regional economies, especially in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.
Growth in nuclear capacity stimulates wide supply‑chain and consumer benefits that stretch far beyond the energy sector
Triple impact: economic, environmental and social
According to Nucleareurope, the study clearly demonstrates nuclear's alignment with all three pillars of sustainability: economic growth, environmental stewardship and social development. Beyond job creation and output, nuclear brings high-skilled career pathways and supports critical research and development in advanced nuclear technologies.
The study clearly demonstrates nuclear's alignment with all three pillars of sustainability: economic growth, environmental stewardship and social development
The report also highlight nuclear's strategic role in helping the EU wean off imported fossil fuels, improving energy security and stabilizing supply chains. As Europe races to reach climate targets, nuclear power offers low-carbon baseload capacity essential for integrating intermittent renewables. This strengthens the bloc's ability to reach its emissions reduction goals while safeguarding strategic autonomy.
Nucleareurope's Director General Emmanuel Brutin states that "by investing in nuclear, Europe can reap the benefits... while ensuring security of supply and meeting decarbonization targets." He adds that policymakers must deliver predictable frameworks, such as through the EU's Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC) and the next Multi-annual Financial Framework, to support long-term investment.
A call to action for national governments
The report urges European governments to prioritise nuclear within their green recovery and clean energy strategies. It argues that nuclear delivers not only large-scale clean power but also high-value employment, industrial revitalisation, and robust fiscal returns. The analysis underscores that decision-makers now benefit from clear forecasts of nuclear’s value across numerous economic indicators.
Source: Nucleareurope
