Nucleareurope welcomes technology neutrality in the Clean Industrial Deal
nucleareurope welcomes the European Commission’s newly published proposal for a Clean Industrial Deal (CID) and the Action Plan for Affordable Energy. Both initiatives emphasize a technology-neutral approach, aligning with our long-standing recommendations. As outlined in the CID, access to affordable energy is essential for maintaining the competitiveness of European industries. Achieving this will require an accelerated shift toward clean, domestically generated energy. Additionally, the CID highlights the need to advance electrification across industries.
The Clean Industrial Deal and Action Plan for Affordable Energy emphasize a technology-neutral approach
“The Commission’s proposals demonstrate a stronger commitment to ensuring technology neutrality in energy policy,” states nucleareurope Director General, Yves Desbazeille. “Many of the measures set out in these documents apply to both nuclear and renewable energy. We look forward to working closely with policymakers in the coming months to ensure the EU implements the right tools to strengthen its industrial competitiveness.”
The CID sets out the main priorities of the Action Plan for Affordable Energy, aimed at reducing energy costs and accelerating the deployment of clean energy and electrification. The key focus areas include:
- Full implementation of the Electricity Market Design reform, particularly regarding using Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and Contracts for Difference (CfDs).
- Launch of a technology-neutral European Investment Bank pilot program to facilitate long-term corporate PPAs for electricity generation.
- Assessment of State Aid for nuclear supply chains and technologies.
- Guidance for Member States on designing CfDs and their possible combination with PPAs.
- Reduction of electricity taxes and removal of non-energy-related taxes to support energy-intensive industries.
A notable aspect of the Action Plan includes exploring ways to streamline current licensing practices for emerging nuclear technologies, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). While this is a step in the right direction, this effort should be extended to include all nuclear projects. Furthermore, the proposal highlights the need for industrial consumers to adjust their energy usage based on clean energy availability, promoting the remuneration of flexibility in retail contracts. However, some industries operate 24/7 and cannot simply modify their energy consumption patterns.
The Action Plan proposes streamlining licensing processes for Small Modular Reactors, but this should extend to all nuclear projects
Therefore, it is essential to consider remuneration mechanisms for clean energy sources, such as nuclear, that can provide a reliable and continuous energy supply.
Source: nucleareurope
