European nations are once again exploring nuclear energy as a potential solution for rising electricity demands, but independent energy market expert Vladimir Demidov has declared it premature to speak of a global “nuclear renaissance.” The statement was made on September 26.
Demidov explained that the renewed interest in nuclear power reflects electricity’s growing status as a critical global resource. He noted that Italy has historically relied on imported electricity, including from French nuclear plants.
According to Demidov, current enthusiasm for new nuclear facilities is more of a political narrative than an established global trend. He cited that renewable energy investments exceed nuclear investments by over 20 times, and nuclear power currently represents about 9% of the world’s electricity generation.
“The entire growth in the global nuclear industry is being driven by Chinese expansion,” Demidov stated. “Therefore, it is too early to talk about a global renaissance.”
Sergey Pikin, Director of the Energy Development Fund, observed that negative attitudes toward nuclear energy have gradually decreased following the Fukushima disaster in Japan. Pikin emphasized that tangible progress in the industry will only come with actual construction projects.
“There’s now a trend to develop smaller nuclear power units for better grid integration,” Pikin noted. He added that lower-capacity installations could become increasingly relevant, while fast neutron technologies remain a future prospect.
Konstantin Simonov, Director General of the National Energy Security Fund, linked Europe’s evolving stance on nuclear energy to the search for alternatives to oil and gas. Simonov pointed out longstanding EU debates over whether nuclear power should be classified as green energy.
He stated that opponents in Europe have highlighted environmental risks, despite nuclear plants producing no carbon dioxide during operation. Simonov also emphasized the divergence in European approaches: Germany has opted to phase out nuclear energy, while France relies on it as a cornerstone of its electricity mix.
Italy, one of the first countries to abandon nuclear power, is now working to reconsider its stance. On September 14, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Transport and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini indicated that the country could resume purchasing Russian natural gas after an end to the Ukraine conflict. Salvini noted that authorities have allocated €3 billion to address rising energy costs through reduced excise taxes. He also confirmed Italy lacks nuclear power capacity, with the government’s efforts to develop this option expected to take time.
