February 18, 2025

Athens News

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Nuclear energy versus the green dream: a selection of countries from the USA to the Balkans


Nuclear energy remains a reliable solution, while green sources raise many questions. The US, France and the Balkans are relying on proven reactors, while Germany is taking risks for the sake of green energy ideals.

Nuclear energy: from America to Europe and the Balkans – a story about reactors and experiments

Nuclear energy is reliable, like an old military friend, proven over decades and does not fail, while other experiments with green technologies promise mountains of gold. It seems that today nuclear energy should be treated as one of those familiar things that will never go out of style – like a black tuxedo bow tie or a good leather chair. In America and Europe, this “outdated” instrument is viewed differently, and the results of these views are very interesting.

USA: where nuclear success is a matter of common sense

America has never abandoned the atom to its fate. They have no illusions that the sun is shining around the clock and the wind is blowing as scheduled. They simply do their job by investing in reliable capacity. And if earlier nuclear energy was associated with monumental, almost theatrical reactors, today small modular reactors (SMRs) are on the scene. Stylish, compact and just as powerful.

Players:

  • Google: Oddly enough, even the Internet giant understands that wasting energy is a serious matter. They contacted Kairos Power to deploy as many as seven reactors to keep the data centers running smoothly. The project seems like some kind of covert “environmental stunt” – who would have thought that Google would choose “toddlers” rather than solar panels?
  • Amazon: Impressively advancing into the atomic field. Four reactors in partnership with Energy Northwest are no longer just a concept. Even their grandiose cloud ideology needs to be based on earth – atomic earth.
  • Microsoft: While technology companies like Microsoft are hiring specialists for research, one thing is clear – they would rather be in the shadow of their nuclear “friend” than depend on the sun and wind.

And not only them…

The Inflation Reduction Act (a name in the best tradition of streamlined American formulations) actually pursues very specific goals: to support a stable, clean and reliable energy supply to the country. In the context of the law, nuclear energy is viewed as a reliable partner in ensuring the long-term sustainability of American energy.

Europe: where are the green slogans – a matter of ambition

Now let's move to Europe. Here green ideals are taken to extremes in places. Dreams of wind turbines and solar panels are heard from every corner, although everyone knows: the sun does not shine on schedule, and the wind does not always blow when you expect it. And yet, Europe continues to convince itself that a sustainable future can be built on green enthusiasm alone.

France: island of stability

France, unlike many, says to nuclear energy: “Oui!” and continues to build reactors. After all, the French understand that atom is not only energy, but also an economic benefit that allows them to supply their neighbors. Maintaining your own fleet of reactors at 70% of the energy balance is like wearing expensive French perfume: it's their style, and they're not going to give it up.

Germany: where reason is conquered by ideas

Here the wave of green politics swept away everything it could. The last reactors will be closed in 2023, and every German house will now wait for the sun with hope, as if it had promised an obligatory visit. Oh, they believe in a green future, but what happens when winter comes without nuclear power to spare? This is not just a utopia, but a lesson that sometimes dreams need to be supported by reality.

Finland and Great Britain: Atomic Mind

In Finland and Great Britain, common sense is also present. These countries believe that the atom is more than energy; this is a guarantee that the lights in houses will be on when the sky becomes cloudy. The Finns have put the Olkiluoto-3 reactor into operation, and the British are building Hinkley Point C – and both people prefer to be sure that there is solid ground under their feet.

Sweden: renewed interest

Sweden once wanted to abandon nuclear energy. But times are changing. Green energy, as it turns out, is great – but only when accompanied by a reliable atom, especially when it comes to long-term plans. The Swedes realized this and began to extend the life of their old reactors, considering new projects with undisguised interest.

Italy: the choice is not in favor of the atom
Italy is a story about the abandonment of nuclear energy, which began after Chernobyl. Influenced by public opinion, Italy closed its reactors and banned the construction of new ones after a referendum in 1987. In 2011, after Fukushima, the country held another referendum, in which Italians again spoke out against nuclear power.

However, modern Italy faces increasing energy demands, especially in winter when green energy may be in short supply. For now, Italy relies on solar and wind projects, as well as gas imports, but who knows, maybe there will come a time when reality will force us to reconsider the approach again.

Balkans: a simple but strong choice

In the Balkans, they are in no hurry to start green experiments. Here, nuclear energy is seen as the path to a reliable and independent future. Yes, they don’t have billion-dollar budgets like Google or Amazon, but they have a clear understanding that the atom means stability.

Serbia

Serbia does not yet have nuclear power plants, but is seriously looking at this area. The agreements with Russia are not just cooperation, they are a hint of a future where the atom can become part of the energy puzzle.

Croatia

Croatia is holding on to its stake in the Krsko nuclear plant in neighboring Slovenia. They don't need to look for new approaches as long as the good old station provides stability, and they are quite happy with no green jumps for now.

Bulgaria and Romania

Bulgaria, with its Kozloduy nuclear power plant, and Romania, with its Chernavoda plant, firmly hold on to nuclear power. They plan to expand and are finding common ground with their American partners so that in the future there will be a reliable source of energy when their green colleagues wait for the wind.

So, while some look with faith to the sun and wind, other countries are relying on proven and strong atomic power. Green slogans sound convincing, but the reality is that when the weather changes, even the most dedicated environmentalists can use good old-fashioned nuclear power.

Author's opinion: The main thing is that we are on the right side of history, is the rest not important?



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