Group promotes nuclear power as future for EU

The New Nuclear Watch Europe (NNWE) stated the importance of nuclear energy's role in energy policy within the European Union (E.U.) on Friday during a roundtable discussion.

The group was established to help recognize nuclear power as a viable form of clean energy and to allow governments in the E.U. to provide affordable energy for their respective citizens. It also advocates the safe use of nuclear materials and stresses the importance of technology being tested in a comprehensive way to ensure safety and efficiency.

In the discussion, parties confirmed nuclear energy is part of the European Commission's strategy for energy as an effective fossil-fuel alternative that could decarbonize the air.

"Nuclear energy is the only solution for Europe if clean energy, affordable prices and security of supply remain priorities for the European Union," NNWE Chair Tim Yeo said. 

Nuclear power needs more state support, according to Baptiste Buet, an AREVA representative to E.U. institutions, while Christopher Granville, of the market research firm Trusted Sources, said risks to supply are under-investments in the technology and cost overruns in development.