nucleareurope discusses SMRs, financing and policy at European Business Nuclear Alliance meeting
On 20 May 2025, nucleareurope Director General Emmanuel Brutin participated in a panel discussion on the question of how Europe can create a competitive edge in the development of SMR technology, in the framework of a Stockholm held meeting of the European Business Nuclear Alliance – a coalition of national business federations from across Europe committed to support the nuclear industry as it contributes to Europe’s decarbonisation, competitiveness, and resilience objectives alongside renewable and low-carbon solutions.
Speakers at the event included EU and national government officials – including Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch -, nuclear industry representatives and leaders from major European businesses. It explored the development of nuclear capacities in Europe and the potential for nuclear to support the decarbonisation of industry while ensuring security of supply and affordable electricity prices.
In his intervention, Emmanual specifically discussed the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Europe, nuclear financing mechanisms and the evolving policy framework on nuclear related topics. He noted the positive policy developments from recent years, such as the creation of the European Industrial Alliance on SMRs and the technology neutral approach of the Clean Industrial Deal, but stressed that further progress is needed, especially as regards access to funds and finance, as well as hydrogen production.
“We are seeing more and more European Member States and European businesses recognise the essential role of nuclear in the energy system, and call for technology neutral policies. The nuclear industry is ready to deliver significant investments in long-term operation of existing power plants as well as both large and small new build, but enabling policies are also needed to support these investments” stressed Emmanuel, adding that upcoming files such as the Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC) and the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) will be key.
Concluding his intervention, Emmanuel highlighted the economic and social impacts of nuclear energy, noting that the nuclear sector is a major job purveyor in Europe, currently employing close to 1 million people. He stressed that the deployment on new capacities will further strengthen the benefits of nuclear for European competitiveness.