WRITTEN QUESTION P-0518/97 by Ulf Holm (V) to the Commission (14 February 1997)

Subject: Support for abandoning nuclear power

Sweden is about to begin phasing out its nuclear power industry and replacing it with renewal sources of energy. Considerable resources will therefore be needed both to decommission nuclear power stations and to invest in renewable sources of energy such as biofuels and wind and solar power.

What is the Commission's view of Sweden's transformation of its power industry?

Does the Commission consider that this would be a desirable course for other EU countries with nuclear power industries?

Is the Commission considering introducing a system of support for those countries wishing to phase out nuclear power?

Is the Commission contemplating the introduction of any kind of subsidy for renewable sources of energy?

Answer given by Mr Papoutsis on behalf of the Commission (21 March 1997)

In its White Paper 'An Energy Policy for the European Union' ((COM(95) 682 final. )), the Commission stated that:

'a number of Member States depend to a large extent on nuclear energy, whilst others prefer to pursue a non-nuclear energy policy, and a third group have decided to reduce dependency on nuclear-based sources of energy or to terminate the existing nuclear-plants altogether.

The European institutions have responsibilities under the Euratom Treaty which permit the development of nuclear energy in conformity with the rules and policies at national level. The choice between energy technologies or fuels is always a matter where policy appreciation intervenes but nuclear should remain part of this choice.'

The Commission also stated, in the conclusion of its recent document 'The Nuclear Industries in the European Union' (An illustrative nuclear programme) ((COM(96) 339 final. )), that:

'the right to decide to develop or not the peaceful use of nuclear energy belongs to each Member State', and that 'the choice made in this regard by any of the Member States has to be respected'.

The Commission therefore notes the intention announced by the Government of Sweden to gradually transform its energy industry, of its wish to maintain a sufficient diversity of energy sources and to encourage the efficient use of energy and the development of renewable energy sources.

With regard to the use of nuclear power by the other Member States, the Commission also points out in the illustrative nuclear programme (2) that nuclear energy continues to play an effective role in the Community, making a valid contribution to its energy supply.

In the same document, the Commission examines the costs of nuclear energy, and states that these include reserves to cover the costs of decommissioning nuclear installations. Member States using nuclear energy oblige their electricity generating companies to hold appropriate levels of reserves. The question of subsidies or aids for dismantling nuclear installations does not therefore arise.

Finally, with regard to promoting renewable sources of energy, the Commission's Green Paper for a Community Strategy ((COM(96) 576 final. )) states that Member States provide varying levels of financial support for renewable energy, which must be notified to the Commission and are authorized by the Commission when they conform with the Community guidelines relating to State aids for the protection of the environment ((OJ C 72, 10.3.1994. )) or for research and development ((OJ C 45, 17.2.1996. )). In the framework of reexamining the current guidelines, the Commission will consider whether appropriate adaptations are required for renewable energy and its contribution to the objectives of the energy policy.

In the Green Paper mentioned above, the Commission continues to give firm support to the principle of integrating external costs, which are essentially linked to environmental pollution, in the prices of all sources of energy. The Commission is actively pursuing a policy of promoting renewable energy sources through specific Community programmes, and later this year will also adopt a White Paper on renewable energy, incorporating a Community Strategy and action plan.