The European Nuclear Society’s (ENS) High Scientific Council (HSC) has called on European leaders to integrate long-term operation (LTO) of existing nuclear power plants into national and EU-level energy strategies, warning that Europe cannot afford to prematurely shut down safe, low-carbon reactors.

In a position paper, the HSC said LTO of existing nuclear power plants is a “strategic asset” in the fight against climate change, helping to “bridge the gap” to the commissioning of new nuclear builds while ensuring energy security and affordability.

The HSC is a scientific body of independent experts that advises the Brussels-based ENS on nuclear developments and acts as a think-tank for science and technology.

The position paper argued that extending the operating life of Europe’s current nuclear fleet is essential to meeting EU climate and energy objectives, including the goal of more than 90% decarbonised electricity by 2040, while avoiding higher system costs and increased reliance on fossil fuels.