If it depends on the European Commission, investments in gas and nuclear energy are given a green label, provided a number of conditions are met. This is apparent from a proposal sent to the Member States.
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Before the end of 2021, the European Commission would come up with a list of energy sources that can be labeled as beneficial for the climate and the environment. This classification, ‘taxonomy’ in EU jargon, should guide investors towards green energy sources. However, the decision was lifted into the new year.
In the meantime, the Commission has prepared its proposal. The list has been forwarded to the member states, the German news agency dpa knows, which was able to view the document. Gas and nuclear energy would also receive a green label in the classification proposal, provided a number of conditions are met.
Strict conditions
For example, investments in nuclear installations would only receive a green label if the latest technologies are used and if there is a concrete plan for the treatment of the nuclear waste, which can come into effect from 2050. In addition, according to the Commission, the new nuclear power stations must receive a construction permit by 2045 at the latest.
For gas, on the other hand, stricter conditions with regard to C02 emissions would apply. Gas-fired power stations that are still licensed after 2030 would thus be allowed to emit no more than 100 grams of CO2 equivalent per kilowatt-hour of energy produced, calculated over the entire life cycle of the installation.
The proposal is controversial. The status of gas and nuclear energy was the subject of vigorous discussions between European heads of state and government last month during the European Council in Brussels. France and a dozen other countries are defending nuclear energy because it could help the EU’s transition to climate neutrality by 2050. But Austria and Germany, among others, are categorically against, because of the nuclear waste. According to those countries, gas should also be able to play a role. That emits a lot more than nuclear energy, but is cleaner than, for example, coal.
European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton said at the end of last year that the European Union may need gas and nuclear energy to achieve the ambitious climate goals. The Commission takes the decision on the taxonomy through a so-called delegated act, a decision implementing the existing Taxonomy Regulation. The Member States and the European Parliament do object to that delegated act after the presentation of the proposal.
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