Answer given by Ms McGuinness on behalf of the European Commission
21.3.2022
The Commission has carefully analysed the scientific advice and other received feedback when preparing the Complementary Climate Delegated Act.
Taking account of this advice[1], and varying transition challenges across Member States, the Commission considers there is a role for nuclear energy to facilitate the transition towards a predominantly renewables-based future.
The inclusion of nuclear energy comes with strict conditions, in line with ‘do no significant harm’ safeguards and will not prevent the deployment of renewable energy sources.
The relevant decarbonisation scenarios assessed by the Commission include a continuing complementary role for nuclear, without crowding out growing investment in renewables.
Nuclear energy is included as transitional activities in the meaning of Article 10 paragraph 2 of the taxonomy regulation. Moreover, we are increasing the transparency for investors by introducing specific disclosure requirements for companies active in the nuclear and gas sectors.
We are also committing to further amendments to the rules on financial product disclosures and financial advice to clients.
Nuclear energy mainly produces low-level radioactive waste, for which there are disposal facilities in operation since decades, while high-level radioactive waste accounts for 1% of the total nuclear waste.
Deep geological disposal is, at this time, broadly accepted at the technical level to represent the safest disposal option for the end point of high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel considered as waste[2].
The technical screening criteria in the Complementary Delegated Act follow this approach and go beyond requiring mere compliance with the legislation regarding radioactive waste management and disposal.
- [1] Report of the Joint Research Centre and reviews by the article 31 Euratom committee and SCHEER committee are available at: EU taxonomy for sustainable activities | European Commission (europa.eu)
- [2] Council Directive 2011/70/Euratom of 19 July 2011 establishing a Community framework for the responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste (OJ L 199, 2.8.2011, p. 48; rec. 23).