Debate: Small modular reactors
Date: MONDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2023
Speaker: Kadri Simson
Language: EN

The starting point for this discussion is the Union’s climate policy framework, where we have together set ambitious targets. Given the urgency of reducing emissions by 55% by 2030, our legal frameworks to promote renewables and energy efficiency have been updated and now need to be implemented as a matter of priority. At the same time, all low carbon energy sources will be needed in their full potential, especially in the longer term perspective, including 2040, 2050 and beyond. For that, some 10 EU Member States are currently exploring the economic viability, safety and sustainability of small modular reactors in particular. SMRs have the potential to address all current challenges in full extent decarbonisation, security of power supply and EU strategic autonomy. But the fulfilment of the promise of SMRs relies on technology providers’ commitment to develop their projects without compromising on nuclear safety and to build strong EU supply chains alongside reliable global partnerships. Against this background, the Commission welcomes the European Parliament’s initiative and we consider that the report addresses all the key points related to SMR development in Europe. The report is well in line with our analysis on SMR potential and challenges. It also calls for many actions by the Commission and the Member States. Let me briefly elaborate on this. As you are aware, since the beginning of 2022, the European nuclear industry, research community and nuclear safety regulators have closely collaborated with the aim of setting up a European SMR partnership to explore the potential for SMRs and the conditions for their effective contribution to decarbonisation. SMRs that can be deployed much more flexibly than large new builds can effectively, unit by unit, replace fossil-based power production and provide heating for communities and industries alike. On 6 November, on the occasion of this year’s European Nuclear Energy Forum, I had the opportunity to discuss in detail with the stakeholders the readiness of launching this partnership as an EU industrial alliance on SMRs, so I am working towards its launch at the earliest possibility, together with my colleagues in the Commission. During this preparatory work, we have already established that on the path towards a successful manufacturing and deployment of SMRs by the coming decade there are a number of key enablers. This coincides with many of the points highlighted in the Parliament’s report. First, in the EU, licensing is a national responsibility, but I see the Commission’s clear role in supporting collaborative work among interested regulators. The decision on each SMR project will remain in the relevant Member State, in the hands of its national nuclear safety regulator. At the same time, together with the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG), the Commission offers a solid framework for collaboration amongst the regulators. This can greatly facilitate their tasks. Second, in the coming decades, the nuclear energy sector will require highly educated staff to upskill and reskill European workers in the nuclear field. In this perspective, the Commission has already set up a number of initiatives under the Euratom Research and Training Programme, such as the European Nuclear Education Network. These will be complemented by measures introduced in the Net-Zero Industry Act. Third, another key aspect to the successful introduction of SMRs is the need for developing an industrial supply chain fit for serial standardised production, including stable supply of raw materials. To conclude, on top of the initiative to promote the development of SMRs, the delivery on the promise needs to come from the industry together with interested Member States and nuclear safety regulators. The Commission will remain closely engaged in this process through the establishment of the EU’s industrial alliance on SMRs to actively support SMR development and deployment in the EU. Nuclear energy technologies remain an important part of the EU stabilisation pathway and policy mix. I congratulate the rapporteur and the ITRE Committee for achieving a high-quality report, and I look forward now to hearing your views on all these relevant topics for the successful deployment of advanced nuclear technologies.