Nuclear energy continues to play a significant role in Europe’s energy landscape. Here are some key points about the current state of nuclear energy production in the European Union (EU):
Nuclear Plants in Operation:
In 2022, 13 EU countries had operational nuclear reactors. These countries include Belgium, Bulgaria, Czechia, Germany, Spain, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden.
France remains the top nuclear energy producer in Europe, accounting for 48.4% of the EU’s total nuclear electricity generation. Spain, Sweden, and Belgium are also significant contributors.
Electricity Generation from Nuclear Plants:
Nuclear plants generated approximately 21.8% of the total electricity produced in the EU in 2022.
However, there has been a decline in nuclear electricity generation. In 2022, the gross electricity generation from nuclear plants decreased by 16.7% compared to 2021, reaching a record low value in the period from 1990 to 2022.
The trend has been fluctuating over the years. Between 1990 and 2004, nuclear electricity production increased due to the expansion of operational reactors. However, from 2006 onwards, there was a decline of 33.4% in nuclear power production.
Nuclear Heat Production:
Nuclear heat is obtained from the fission of nuclear fuels in reactors and is used for electricity production.
In 2022, the total production of nuclear heat in the EU was 155,481 thousand tonnes of oil equivalent (toe), representing a drop of 24.7% compared to 2013 and 16.7% compared to 2021.
Notably, Germany and France experienced significant decreases in nuclear heat production during this period.
Country-Specific Trends:
Contrary to the overall EU trend, some countries increased their nuclear electricity production between 2006 and 2022. Romania, the Netherlands, Czechia, Hungary, Finland, and Slovenia saw growth.
Lithuania, on the other hand, permanently shut down its nuclear facilities in 2009.
In summary, while nuclear energy remains a crucial part of Europe’s energy mix, challenges and changes persist. Countries continue to balance safety, environmental concerns, and energy security in their nuclear policies.