At a time when Europe is seeking to reconcile energy transition and security of supply, extending the life of nuclear power plants is back at the heart of the debate. Perceived by some as a strategic low-carbon lever, it nevertheless raises major legal, environmental and economic questions.
A Strategic Question for Decarbonisation and Energy Security
As Europe works harder to decarbonize its energy mix and decrease its dependence on fossil fuels, the extension of operational nuclear power plants has become a significant topic of discussion.While a number of nations see nuclear power as a secure, sustainable alternative to assist in the transition, there are those who express reservations about the safety, environmental effects, and financial implications of outdated infrastructure.Nuclear reactors require regulated and technically complex processes for their long-term operation. It is subject to periodic safety reviews and national licensing frameworks.In the EU, Member States hold the responsibility for this issue, but it is essential to follow the overarching EU regulations on nuclear safety and transparency, which includes Council Directive 2014/87/Euratom.
Legal and Regulatory Frameworks for Life Extension
Each nation establishes the duration for which a nuclear reactor can function, yet global standards influence the legal requirements for extending the operational lifespan of plants. The International Atomic Energy Agency offers guidance on Plant Life Management, while the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency releases periodic comparative analyses of national LTO strategies. In the United States, reactors are permitted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to extend their operating licenses in 20-year intervals after the original 40-year lifespan. If plants fulfill safety and environmental standards, they can be in operation for a duration of 80 years.
Economic and Environmental Stakes
Looking at it from an economic angle, prolonging life is commonly a more financially viable choice compared to constructing new reactors.According to the International Energy Agency, the cost of extending the life of a 1 GW nuclear plant ranges from $500 million to $1.1 billion, in contrast to the several billion dollars required for new construction.
Furthermore, nuclear power plays a crucial role in reaching net-zero goals. The European Commission has accepted the importance of nuclear energy in promoting climate neutrality within the framework of the EU Taxonomy Regulation, provided that specific environmental and technical standards are met.
Challenges and Public Opposition
Opposition to LTO primarily arises from concerns related to safety and the environment. Older reactors must undergo significant upgrades to meet modern safety standards, especially in light of the Fukushima accident.Germany, for example, finished its nuclear phase-out in 2023, due to intense public pushback and a firmly established political commitment.
Conversely, nations like France are deciding to expand the operational life of their nuclear fleet beyond 40 years, following the recommendations of the Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire et de Radioprotection and in accordance with the French Energy-Climate Law of 2019.
Extending the operational lifespan of nuclear power plants serves as a strategic tool for nations looking to secure a sustainable, low-emission energy source without relying on fossil fuels right away. However, significant legal, environmental, and social obstacles are brought up.As the debate continues, national regulators will assess reactor by reactor, ensuring its centrality to Europe’s energy and climate strategy in the years ahead.
For further information :
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32014L0087
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_711
https://www.iea.org/reports/nuclear-power-in-a-clean-energy-system
https://www.iaea.org/topics/nuclear-power-plant-life-cycle/plant-life-management
