The long-awaited verdict is dividing the bloc’s member states, some of whom argue that nuclear should not be included in the taxonomy, which is designed to help the EU reach climate neutrality by 2050.
The proposal on nuclear by the European commission could come after a meeting of EU heads of government on 16 December where the taxonomy is expected to be discussed.
The taxonomy is a package of regulations that governs investment in activities that the EU says are environmentally friendly. Brussels hopes the rules will steer private capital into climate-friendly projects.
There is a big debate within the 27-member bloc about whether nuclear should be considered a clean source of energy.
The European commission decided not to include nuclear energy in the taxonomy, but said it would include it under a complementary delegated act. The act would include the technical screening criteria for determining the conditions under which nuclear could qualify as contributing to sustainability and climate change mitigation.
The commission’s decision on nuclear has been delayed by months and faced heavy lobbying from EU governments, who disagree on whether the fuel deserve a sustainable label.
Ten 10 EU countries recently spoke out in support of nuclear power, saying it is “absolutely essential” it is included in the taxonomy before the end of this year.
In an opinion article in a number of European newspapers, the countries said nuclear energy is an affordable, stable and independent energy resource. Firstly, because it protects European consumers from price volatility, unlike gas. Secondly, because it contributes decisively to the independence of the EU’s sources of energy and electricity production.
Ministers from Germany, Austria, Portugal, Denmark and Luxembourg said they are against the inclusion of nuclear in the taxonomy.
