The European Commission (EC) should establish clear guidelines on investment for nuclear new build in the forthcoming Illustrative Programme for Nuclear Energy (Pinc), the Brussels-based industry group Foratom said. In contrast to renewable energy projects, which enjoy “clear guidelines”, investments in the nuclear sector are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and this deters potential interest in new build, Foratom director-general Jean-Pol Poncelet said. The EC is mandated to periodically issue a new Pinc to indicate targets and programmes for nuclear production and any necessary investment. The new document is expected to be published on 29 February 2016, nine years after the release of the last Pinc in 2007. Foratom also said the current EU emission trading system (ETS) does not provide “sufficient incentive” for developing low-carbon energy.
Nucnet 8th Feb 2016 read more »
The EU has today released statistics for 2014, showing its progress in boosting the share of renewables in its overall energy mix. The UK — the third biggest underachiever after France and the Netherlands — has already privately indicated that it will struggle to meet its 2020 target. The UK is among the countries currently missing its 2020 target by the widest margin, yet it also increased its share of renewable energy in 2014 by one of the widest margins.
Carbon Brief 10th Feb 2016 read more »