EU nuclear dispute reaches a climax. Will it have the same privileges as wind and solar plants?

The European Union is addressing a dispute over how nuclear energy’s contribution to achieving climate targets will be reflected in several upcoming pieces of legislation. The dispute, between traditionally pro-nuclear and anti-nuclear EU member states, is due to be finally resolved this week. Its outcome could determine not only the fate of pink hydrogen, but also nuclear financing in the EU.

Political negotiations on the EU’s future approach to nuclear energy are reaching a climax at EU level. In recent days, the main discussion has focused on whether hydrogen produced using electricity from nuclear power plants will be considered equivalent to green hydrogen. Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced using electricity from renewable sources, such as wind or solar power plants.

However, the dispute is even broader: pro-nuclear countries, including the Czech Republic, are calling for the broadest possible recognition of nuclear technologies as technologies that help achieve climate targets. That is, in a similar way to renewable energy sources, led by wind and solar power plants.