nucleareurope participates in World Nuclear Supply Chain Conference

On 21 May 2025, nucleareurope Policy Director Andrei Goicea participated in a panel discussion on ramping up the global nuclear supply chain, in the framework of the Warsaw-held World Nuclear Supply Chain Conference. The event, organised by the World Nuclear Association, aimed at connecting industry actors to help companies capitalise on new business opportunities.

In his intervention, Andrei detailed the projections for the future role of nuclear in Europe, noting that nucleareurope’s assessment of currently available National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and public announcements point towards an installed nuclear capacity of 143 Gigawatt (GW) in the EU by 2050 – not far off the objective of 150GW put forward by the nuclear Alliance of Member States. He stressed that this can be achieved through long-term operation of existing power plants, as well as both large and small new build.

“With an increased ambition for nuclear energy, many Member States have announced plans to continue using nuclear or invest in new capacities. The important investment pipeline for new projects, with advanced technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) on the rise, however entails a transformation challenge for EU nuclear supply chains, and requires a supportive policy framework” noted Andrei, adding that upcoming policy files at EU level will play a key role in ensuring that the regulatory framework supports the development of a European nuclear supply chain.

Andrei concluded his intervention by giving an overview of current and upcoming policy topics surrounding nuclear. He highlighted positive recent developments, such as the inclusion of nuclear in the Sustainable Finance Taxonomy and the Net-Zero Industry Act, as well as the technology neutral approach of the Clean Industrial Deal. He however stressed that some policies still go against the principle of technology neutrality, potentially jeopardising the energy transition.