Brussels-based nucleareurope and other nuclear associations have called on European governments to take greater steps to put in place consistent long-term energy policies and facilitate access to finance as the industry looks to increase the use of nuclear power.

In a statement the industry groups* said governments must take steps that enable greater use of nuclear energy including through nuclear plant life extensions, capacity uprates, the restart of shut-down nuclear plants and the deployment of new nuclear energy facilities in support of their economic, energy-security and environmental objectives.

The statement said the nuclear industry needs predictable, durable and technology-appropriate financing and market frameworks that recognise its long-term value.

“Investment is needed across the full nuclear value chain, including continued operation and uprates, new generation, fuel-cycle infrastructure and supply-chain capacity.”