Czech Republic and Romania reiterate support for nuclear energy

The European Union (EU) said last week that the Czech Republic and Romania reiterated their support for nuclear energy and its contribution to helping both countries meet EU climate and energy targets.

The support statement comes as Energy Union Vice President Maroš Sefcovic begins his tour of EU countries to present the European Commission’s (EC) first analysis of their energy system's strengths and weaknesses.

The Czech government’s national energy policy published this month foresees an increase in the country's nuclear generation from about 35 percent currently to between 46 percent and 58 percent by 2040. The policy also indicates that the share of lignite in electricity production is expected to decrease to between 11 percent and 21 percent. Renewable energies are expected to increase to 25 percent and natural gas to between 5 percent and 15 percent.

The Czech Republic’s energy strategy is aimed at reaching the objectives of the EU's 2030 climate and energy framework. Increased nuclear generation will help the country meet its carbon dioxide emission reduction target.

The government plans to build one new nuclear reactor at each of its two existing nuclear power plants, Dukovany and Temelin.

Romanian Energy Minister Andrei Gerea said at a review of his country’s energy policy earlier this month that nuclear energy ensures security of supply and cuts carbon dioxide emissions.

"Our main concern is to ensure energy security in this part of Europe," Gerea said. "We want Romania to achieve a balanced, competitive and technologically neutral energy mix, whereby renewable sources and nuclear can help achieve energy and climate targets set at the European and national level."