In the light of liberalised energy markets, the project aims to assess the role of nuclear energy in a diversified EU energy mix. In this context, the project provides an overview and assessment of nuclear polices and strategies both at EU and Member State level.
While we are moving closer towards a common EU energy policy, is has been decided that it is for the national governments to decide whether or not to rely on nuclear energy. However, although the choice of the eventual energy mix is up to the Member States, the EU aims to create competitive markets among different energy sources by guaranteeing a level playing field in liberalised energy markets.
In order to assess the role of nuclear energy in a diversified EU energy mix, the project provides an analysis of the various aspects of nuclear power, including financing, liability, waste management and nuclear decommissioning, and examines them in comparison with the principles of liberalised energy markets and the polluter pays principle. In detail, the tasks of the project comprise:
- an in-depth analysis of the economics of nuclear power
- an outlook for nuclear power in the EU
- an overview of decommissioning and waste management strategies in the Member States
- an analysis of the policy framework in the EU and individual Member Sates
Ecologic's task in this project focuses on the analysis of the policy frameworks in the EU and in the individual Member States. Existing nuclear energy policies are being identified and analysed with regard to the formation of an overall policy framework. Furthermore, the Euratom Treaty is being assessed in the light of the EU's objective to ensure liberalised energy markets. The ultimate goal is to identify possible needs to revise nuclear-related legislation.