KEY MESSAGES/EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- Build-out of new large and SMR reactors as well as long-term operations of existing reactors are part of net-zero electricity generation sources and will also benefit Europe from a system approach: Decarbonisation of the economy, security of supply, and reliability that is complimentary to renewables. The updated PINC report needs to show how to secure an EU strategic leadership in nuclear which should not be taken for granted. Mechanisms and funding for financing, risk-sharing and investor incentives should be encouraged
- A never wavering focus on nuclear safety and protection from radioactivity is the foundation of all nuclear activities and must continue to be part of Euratom R&D. Developing future nuclear will also require increasing financing for Euratom to enhance European supply chain capabilities. Euratom should be complemented by more cross-sectional synergies ith the Horizon Europe program
- The updated PINC must clarify how to implement technology-neutrality for nuclear as net-zero power generation in the regulatory framework and how a non-discriminatory approach may remove the exclusion of nuclear from EU funds (in their current and future forms)
- An updated PINC report should consider a trajectory for nuclear capacity developments in Europe based on most recent NECPs. It should determine investment needs and actions to implement new nuclear, sustain existing nuclear capacity with long-term operations, and develop the European supply chain and competencies needed
- The updated PINC should provide a perspective on how EU can arrive at world-class competence clusters enhancing higher education, spearhead academic research and exchange and be agile in implementing results