European power outlook

Though nuclear is regaining support in Europe, the significance of that resurgence varies among European countries. Some governments have reappraised their nuclear energy strategy in the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima disaster. In most countries it is still considered a decarbonisation option providing most of low-carbon electricity consumed. Risks related to nuclear are foreseen differently in different member states. While some states are not willing to take risks and are opposed to nuclear power (Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Belgium), others remain committed to nuclear power (France, UK, Spain, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Hungary and Finland). At the end of 2010, Europe had 147 reactors operating at a net capacity of 134.8 GW. As of January 2013, the number had dwindled to 136 reactors operating at a net capacity of 125.2 GW, due to the shutting down of eight nuclear reactors in Germany as a repercussion of the Fukushima incident in Japan. Europe has 30 reactors under construction, planned and proposed. New power plants would not only drive the future of nuclear industry in Europe, but will also develop Europe's competitive edge in the global arena.