Electrification & decarbonisation: Europe’s energy future
Brussels, 17 July 2026: nucleareurope welcomes both the Electrification Action Plan and the revised EU Emissions Trading System proposals, published today by the European Commission. Both of these files have the potential to accelerate a shift to electrification, reduce CO2 emissions and ultimately strengthen the competitiveness of Europe’s industries.
“One of the best ways of reducing our CO2 emissions – and our dependence on energy imports – is to electrify what can be electrified. The long-awaited Electrification Action Plan is key in this respect. We therefore fully support the idea of establishing an indicative electrification target for 2040” states Emmanuel Brutin, nucleareurope Director General. “At the same time, industry needs support to help decarbonise its manufacturing processes (either through electrification or shifting to clean heat or hydrogen). We are therefore very much in favour of an EU ETS which redirects revenues back into industries with clear decarbonisation plans.”
An Action Plan fit for electrification: according to today’s proposal, more nuclear and renewables bring electricity prices down and drive fossil fuels out. We therefore support the idea of an indicative electrification target by 2040. In addition, and as recognised in the communication, taxes on gas are lower than electricity. Reducing taxes on electricity and ensuring it is not taxed more than gas is another proposal which we fully support.
A decarbonisation policy focused on incentivisation: The EU ETS proposed revision includes proposals to channel revenues back into industrial decarbonisation and electrification. In this respect we support the proposal to ensure that Member States spend 50% of their national ETS revenues on investments to decarbonise sectors covered by the ETS.
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About us: nucleareurope is the Brussels-based trade association for the nuclear energy industry in Europe. The membership of nucleareurope is made up of 17 national nuclear associations – active across Europe – and the companies that they represent, and 24 direct Corporate Members. Nearly 3,000 companies are represented, supporting 900 000 jobs, from Europe’s (and the world’s) largest nuclear utilities and nuclear fuel cycle companies, to other undertakings engaged in the transport of nuclear materials and the management of radioactive waste.
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- Jessica Johnson, Communications and Advocacy Director: jessica.johnson@nucleareurope.eu
