Denmark Considers Introducing Small Modular Reactors After 40-Year Nuclear Ban
Other European Countries Also Revisit Nuclear Phase-Out Policies
Denmark, which has maintained a ban on nuclear power for the past 40 years, has decided to consider the introduction of small modular reactors (SMRs).
According to the British daily The Guardian on May 14 (local time), Lars Aagaard, Danish Minister of Energy and Climate, stated in an interview with the Danish daily Politiken that the government will analyze the advantages of next-generation nuclear technologies such as SMRs.
Minister Aagaard said, "Currently, new nuclear technologies such as SMRs are advancing," and added, "It is necessary to comprehensively assess what these technologies mean for Danish society."
Denmark introduced its nuclear power ban policy in 1985 and has since maintained an electricity supply policy centered on renewable energy. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), more than 80% of Denmark's electricity comes from renewables such as wind, biofuels, and solar power. The headquarters of Orsted, the world's leading offshore wind company, is also located in Denmark.
The Guardian noted, "Denmark, a country centered on renewable energy, is reconsidering its nuclear power ban policy that has been in place for 40 years," and assessed that, "(If realized) this would represent a significant policy shift."
Along with Denmark, several European countries are also reversing their previous nuclear phase-out policies. Italy, regarded as the world's first country to phase out nuclear power, approved a bill in March allowing the use of nuclear technology. Spain, which had emphasized renewables, is reportedly reconsidering its plan to close seven nuclear power plants over the next 10 years after experiencing a large-scale blackout last month. In addition, the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium have extended the operating periods of existing nuclear power plants to meet rising electricity demand.
The Guardian reported that Europe's growing interest in nuclear power is being driven by increased demand for low-carbon electricity and support from technology companies such as Google, which are seeking to use SMRs to power data centers.
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