Controversy as EU Considers Labelling Nuclear and Gas as “Green”

The European Union is considering new rules that would classify nuclear power and natural gas as sustainable energy sources, as it aims to meet its ambitious climate carbon reduction targets.

The move is an attempt to guide investment and give European countries, like Poland, an incentive to move away from ‘dirty’ sources of power such as coal towards lower emission fuels.

It would see an update to the EU Taxonomy, a highly technical document that defines what classifies as “sustainable” to help investors allocate funds.

The move has split European nations. Critics of the proposals say that neither fuel should be classified as “green.”

Nuclear, although a low emission power source, has safety and disposal concerns. Natural gas, on the other hand, is a fossil fuel that contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.  

"This decision is wrong," said Austria’s environment minister Leonore Gewessler, quoted in the BBC. "The EU Commission today agreed its greenwashing programme for nuclear energy and [the fossil fuel] natural gas."

Austria and Luxembourg have threatened legal action at the European Court of Justice over the proposed amendments, while Spain and Germany have also expressed reservations.

Supporters of the changes see the amendments as an essential part of the energy transition to carve out a pragmatic path forward considering the current state of technology and energy needs.

“The Commission considers there is a role for natural gas and nuclear as a means to facilitate the transition towards a predominantly renewable-based future,” states the EU.

“Within the Taxonomy framework, this would mean classifying these energy sources under clear and tight conditions (for example, gas must come from renewable sources or have low emissions by 2035), in particular as they contribute to the transition to climate neutrality.”

The EU Taxonomy was formally adopted by the bloc of nations last year. It aims to classify activities and technologies that are seen to positively contribute to helping the bloc reach its climate goals.

“The criteria for the specific gas and nuclear activities are in line with EU climate and environmental objectives and will help accelerating the shift from solid or liquid fossil fuels, including coal, towards a climate-neutral future,” states information on the EU’s website about the proposed amendments.

The Council of heads of state and the European Parliament will now consider the amendments and submit any objections. A high bar has been set for objections, however; nearly three quarters of member states representing 65% of the EU’s population must object to the proposed changes.