The European Commission has released the much-anticipated green labeling plan for nuclear and gas power plants. It aims to facilitate funding for institutions that contribute to the fight against climate change.
Sources close to the AFP say that the draft text of the European Commission, which has been under discussion for months and is still tentative, was sent to member states shortly before midnight on December 31.
Commission “Consultation began yesterday (Friday) on the draft text“Allows to add”Some gas and nuclear activities“In its green classification, the European executive confirmed in a press release.
The document sets the criteria for classifying “sustainable” investments in nuclear or gas power plants for power generation. Objective: To direct private investment in activities that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
The plan is part of the EU’s carbon neutral target by 2050.
The classification is similar to the interests of many countries
France and other countries in Central Europe demanded such a speech. France wants to restart its nuclear industry with a sustainable and carbon-free power source. Central European countries, such as Poland or the Czech Republic, need to replace their more polluting coal-fired power plants.
Being part of this classification can reduce financial costs, which is important for the projects involved and the states that want to support them.
Against Germany and Austria: This is “a mistake”
Environmentalists oppose the recognition of gas power plants (which emit CO2) and nuclear power due to the production of radioactive waste. A small group of countries, including Germany-led Austria and Luxembourg, fought to denuclearize.
Commission’s plan to classify gas and nuclear energy “A mistake“German Environment Minister Steffi Lemke responded to a media group called Funke. Atomic Technology.”Leading to catastrophic environmental disasters – in severe accidents – and (…) leaving large amounts of radioactive and hazardous waste, can not be sustainable“
Austrian Environment Minister Leonor Kவெwesler also criticized the plan and condemned nuclear power. “An energy from the past“,”Very expensive and very slow“To combat climate change, in a statement.
Criticisms against wind and sunlight
But pro-gas and pro-nuclear activists argue that renewable energies (such as wind and sunlight) already named by the Commission are affected by intermittent production and do not meet their own electricity needs.
Conditions imposed by the draft text
The Brussels proposal, discussed by the AFP, sets the conditions for the inclusion of nuclear and gas, specifically a deadline.
To build new nuclear power plants, projects must have a building permit before 2045. Works that allow to extend the life of existing power plants must be approved before 2040.
Guarantees are also required for the disposal of waste treatment and nuclear installations at the end of their lives.
About gas, “Intermediate energy source“Investments will be recognized as” stable “for small CO2 emitting plants.
However, a transition period is planned: for power stations that obtain building permits before December 31, 2030, the limit will be raised to 270 g CO2 per kWh, subject to the condition of replacing existing infrastructure. Criteria.
Two weeks to complete the text
Member states and experts consulted by the Commission have two weeks to request changes to this document. The final text is expected to be released in mid-January.
Then, for a period of four months, the European Parliament will have the opportunity to reject it by a simple majority vote. The Council of Europe may oppose it in principle, but it must unite the 20 member states, which seems inaccessible.
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