Sweden: EU must ensure energy security, nuclear power can also help

The European Commission should create conditions to ensure Europe's energy independence, according to Sweden's Minister for Energy and Industry. New baseload sources, including nuclear power plants, should contribute to this, she said. The minister has repeatedly criticized Europe's excessive focus on renewable energy.

Even as the energy crisis gradually subsides, natural gas and electricity prices in Europe remain volatile. Sharp price swings are particularly evident in short-term markets, reflecting the variable output of renewable sources. As conventional energy generation is gradually phased out in a number of European countries, electricity prices could soar to dizzying heights during periods of low wind and solar generation.

During the energy crisis, some European governments began reconsidering their approach to nuclear power. Sweden is one example, with considerable experience in nuclear energy.

"Europe must now build an energy system that ensures our independence. Without energy, there is no industry. Without industry, there is no defence. Without defence, there is no sovereignty," said Minister Ebba Busch last week.

European countries in favor of nuclear power say that EU energy policy sidelines nuclear power, according to Reuters. The reasons include the lack of targets for nuclear energy development and complicated financing.

"Instead of rejecting new baseload sources, the European Commission must create a path in Europe for such new sources," Busch added.

According to Reuters, the minister has repeatedly criticized Europe's excessive dependence on renewable sources, particularly Germany's decision to shut down its nuclear power plants. Although several nuclear units have also been shut down in Sweden in recent years, the current government is considering building new ones.