European Commission presents nuclear illustrative programme

The European Commission on Monday presented a nuclear illustrative programme, focusing on investments related to upgrades and safe operation of nuclear power facilities.

In addition, the programme highlights the estimated financing needs related to nuclear power plants' decommissioning and to the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel, Xinhua news agency reported.

It also provides a basis for discussion on nuclear energy trends and related investments for the period up to 2050. It aims to include all stakeholders, especially civil society, in it, said a press release.

"Based on member states' input, the nuclear illustrative programme of the Commission provides a useful photograph of the whole lifecycle of nuclear power in Europe: from the front-end of fuel fabrication, to safety upgrades and long-term operations, to the back-end of the cycle, including waste management and decommissioning," said Maros Sefcovic, European Commission Vice-President responsible for energy union.

"Five years after the accident at Fukushima Daiichi in 2011, Europe has learnt the lessons," added Miguel Arias Canete, European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy.