Foratom, the European nuclear trade body, has called
on the European Commission and other EU institutions to recognise and reward
the long-term operation (LTO) of nuclear power reactors in their role to help
Europe meet its climate targets.
There are 126 operational power reactors in 14
EU Member States, providing more than one-quarter of the bloc's total
electricity production. In its Communication on the Nuclear Illustrative
Program (PINC) published last year, the European Commission expects nuclear to
maintain its significant role in Europe's energy mix up to 2050. This would
require investment of some EUR40-50 billion (USD46-58 billion) in nuclear LTO
by 2050. However, the Commission has warned that as many as 50 reactors in the
EU are at risk of early closure over the next ten years, assuming their
operators do not pursue LTO licences.