Reviving nuclear power in Europe as a necessary solution to combat global warming and secure energy

Reviving nuclear power in Europe as a necessary solution to combat global warming and secure energy

In recent months, Europe has witnessed a radical shift in governmental and public discourse regarding nuclear energy. After years of decline (particularly following the Fukushima disaster in Japan, which led Germany to decide to phase out nuclear power), nuclear energy has resurfaced as a "necessary" and "sustainable" solution to address the twin challenges of climate change and dependence on Russian gas. This shift is redrawing the continent's energy map, revealing clear divisions between those who support nuclear power, provided it is safe, and those who believe its risks outweigh its benefits. From the perspective of mitigating climate change, nuclear energy offers a significant advantage: near-zero carbon emissions during operation. To achieve "carbon neutrality" by 2050, energy experts argue that a rapid transition to renewables (solar and wind) alone may not be sufficient to guarantee grid stability, as these sources are intermittent. This is wh…