The economic, environmental and energy security benefits of nuclear power should prompt increased deployment of this power generation technology throughout the European Union (EU). The contributions of nuclear energy to the attainment of these gains were examined in three potential scenarios by Compass Lexecon for Brussels, Belgium-based Forum Atomique Européen (nucleareurope).

Current capacity is estimated at about 110 GW generated by 100 nuclear power reactors in 12 of the 27 EU member states. A 100 GW scenario considers nuclear plant retirements, including 25 GW in France and around 7 GW in both Germany — which has already shuttered its nuclear plants — and Spain. Only 4 GW of new build nuclear is projected to be commissioned.

Only 9 GW is projected to be retired by 2030 in 150 GW and 200 GW scenarios, with the rest of the capacity being extended. Around 13 GW of new build capacity is projected to be commissioned. The development of small modular reactor capacity is predicted to reach 15 GW in the 100 GW, 51 GW in the 150 GW, and 90 GW in the 200 GW scenarios.

Development of 150 GW of installed nuclear capacity in the region by 2050 will save around 430 million tons of carbon dioxide, save €310 billion ($338 billion) in total energy system costs, reduce gas consumption by about 180 billion cubic meters and reduce dependence on hydrogen imports by up to 33%.