EU might label gas, nuclear energy as 'green'
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The EU submitted a proposal to label gas and nuclear power as green energy sources, amid different opinions on the matter between major countries in the bloc.
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France is shifting toward the adoption of nuclear power, while other EU countries are opposing such a shift
The EU has plans to label natural gas and nuclear power energy sources as "green" power sources, despite internal disagreements between member countries on whether those two qualify as truly "green" sustainable options.
The proposal aims to support a carbon-neutral future for the EU, and cement its position as the standard-setter in the fight against climate change. However, the text of the much-delayed document, which was promised twice earlier in the year, was distributed to member states in the final hours of 2021.
If a majority of member states back it, it will become EU law, coming into effect from 2023.
France has led the charge for nuclear power, with Macron announcing early in November that France will build new nuclear reactors as part of its €30 billion "France 2030" investment strategy. Meanwhile, Austria has opposed such a shift, while Germany is in the process of shifting away from nuclear energy.
"It is necessary to recognize that the fossil gas and nuclear energy sectors can contribute to the decarbonization of the Union's economy," the commission proposal says, and added that, for nuclear power, appropriate measures should be put in place for radioactive waste management and disposal.
As for gas, carbon-emission limits should be set to well below those produced by coal-burning plants, it said.
Europe energy prices
Europe is currently grappling with increases in energy prices, prompting countries to plan ahead to avert problems in the future.
The UK is building the world's longest power transmission grid, relying on solar energy fields to be built in Morocco, while Germany already accelerated an exit scheme for nuclear reactors following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan.
The French government is expected to announce the construction of up to six new pressurized-water reactors within the coming weeks.
Early in his presidency, Macron pledged to reduce the nuclear footprint in France's energy sector from 75% to 50% by 2035.
