By Kate Abnett BRUSSELS, April 21 (Reuters) - The EU is set to caution its members not to shut nuclear plants early, a draft document seen by Reuters showed, as Europe shores up power supplies to cope
EU Warns Members Against Early Nuclear Shutdowns to Ease Energy Crisis
EU Commission's Approach to the Energy Crisis
By Kate Abnett
BRUSSELS, April 21 (Reuters) - The EU is set to caution its members not to shut nuclear plants early, a draft document seen by Reuters showed, as Europe shores up power supplies to cope with the impact of the Iran war.
Draft Measures to Address Surging Energy Prices
The European Commission is due to publish a package of measures to offset surging energy prices on Wednesday. A draft of the plans, previously reported by Reuters, would cut electricity taxes and scale up clean technologies.
Immediate Relief Proposals
A revised draft, seen by Reuters on Tuesday, set out various measures for governments to provide "immediate relief".
Recommendations on Nuclear Plant Operations
They should "avoid premature retirement of generation assets, such as existing nuclear facilities that can continue to deliver reliable, low-cost and low-emission electricity," it said, adding that this can help curb the call on fossil fuels in heating and industry.
"Nuclear power plants supply clean power, suitable for enhancing system integration and providing flexibility facilitating further roll-out of other clean technologies," the draft document added.
A Commission spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the draft document.
Member States' Nuclear Policies
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said last month that reducing Europe's nuclear energy sector was a "strategic mistake", as the Iran war underlined Europe's exposure to the soaring price of oil and gas imports.
Germany's Nuclear Phase-Out
Germany, the European Union's biggest energy user, phased out nuclear power because of public opposition and safety concerns after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The country's last reactor shut in 2023.
Spain's Planned Closures and Industry Response
Spain plans to start shutting its nuclear reactors in 2027, although energy companies have asked to extend the lifespan of the first reactor scheduled to close.
Other EU Members Reconsider Nuclear Exit
Other EU members, including Belgium and the Netherlands, have recently cancelled their nuclear exits, as they seek to secure large amounts of stable, low-carbon electricity.
Additional EU Recommendations to Ease the Crisis
The EU recommendations, which are not binding, also suggested issuing energy vouchers to vulnerable citizens, financial help to install plug-in batteries and solar panels, reducing the price of public transport and mandating businesses to avoid air travel where possible.
(Reporting by Kate Abnett; additional reporting by Pietro Lombardi; Editing by Alexander Smith)
