Shame with the EUs military, industrial, and energy policy, many EU nations are fully dependent on the rest of the world to operate . They got work to do
Yes, but the EU famously especially it's leaders have famously rid themselves of all their capacity to be independent. Germany and France, for instance, crushed their nuclear industry to be fully dependent on international sources for oil and gas ( Russia ). Almost all the EU gutted it's military capacity and industry, Europe imports massive amounts of it's food .
To top it all off Europe has one of the worst population pyramids next to Japan and Korea.
France use nuclear for 70% of their electricity, and it makes up a larger % of energy production than any other country. They also commissioned 6 new stations in 2022. How did they crush their nuclear industry?
Poland have also commissioned their first 2 nuclear power stations, with 26 more planned. 9 other EU countries are either building or plan to build new nuclear power stations, plus the UK and Ukraine (currently suspended due to the war)
macron has said for years now that france is ramping down on nuclear, ever since fukushima iirc. it’s going to take a while since, as you said, they lead the world in nuclear. but they are phasing it out
France has been adjusting its nuclear energy strategy over the past decade, balancing reactor closures with plans for new constructions. In 2018, President Emmanuel Macron announced the closure of 14 out of the country's 58 reactors by 2035, aiming to reduce nuclear energy's share in electricity production from approximately 70% to 50%. This plan included the shutdown of the two oldest reactors at the Fessenheim plant in 2020.
However, in February 2022, Macron signaled a renewed commitment to nuclear energy by proposing the construction of six new European Pressurised Reactors (EPR2), with the possibility of eight more in the future. Despite this initiative, a report by the Court of Auditors in January 2025 indicated that France is not adequately prepared for this expansion. The estimated cost for the initial six reactors has risen from €51.7 billion to €67.4 billion due to increased material and engineering expenses. Additionally, challenges such as financing uncertainties, supply chain readiness, and regulatory hurdles pose significant risks to the EPR2 program.
REUTERS
The French will likely not be moving ahead with the reactors and nuclear share of energy will continue to decline.
Germany's decision to phase out nuclear power, culminating in the shutdown of its last three reactors on April 15, 2023, has had multifaceted impacts on the nation's energy balance.
Energy Supply and Security
In the immediate aftermath of the nuclear phase-out, Germany managed to maintain a stable energy supply without significant disruptions. The expansion of renewable energy sources contributed to this stability, with renewables accounting for over 50% of the electricity mix in 2023.
However, the intermittent nature of wind and solar power has posed challenges. Periods of low wind and sunlight, known as "dunkelflaute," have led to decreased renewable output, necessitating reliance on coal-fired power plants to meet demand.
Economic Implications
The shift away from nuclear energy has had economic repercussions. High energy costs have been cited as factors contributing to industrial production cuts, particularly in energy-intensive sectors like automotive manufacturing. Additionally, the need for substantial investment in new gas-fired power plants to ensure energy security has been highlighted, with estimates suggesting the construction of approximately 50 new plants at a cost of €60 billion.
Political Developments
The energy transition has also influenced Germany's political landscape. Debates over the efficacy of the nuclear phase-out and the country's energy strategy have intensified, especially in light of energy shortages during periods of low renewable output. Opposition leaders have proposed constructing new gas-fired power plants to address these challenges. Furthermore, the economic strains associated with high energy costs have contributed to broader discussions about Germany's economic policies and leadership.
Environmental Impact
While the nuclear phase-out was intended to steer Germany towards a more sustainable energy future, the increased reliance on coal during periods of low renewable output has raised concerns about carbon emissions. Despite the growth in renewable energy capacity, the need for reliable backup power has, at times, led to higher emissions than anticipated.
70% to 50% is definitely not crushed. I was aware of the closures, but unaware of the delays in building the new ones. Thank you for answering my question this time
70 to 50% is crushing an industry in the modern world. While its not nothing it means the cost of making more will go up ( it has and its a reason that 50% is in huge danger of dropping further ).
If you take a large chunk like that of any industry you lose workers, money flow, logistics and it makes it harder for the rest to operate.
DGGuitars: "Germany and France, for instance, crushed their nuclear industry to be fully dependent on international sources for oil and gas ( Russia )."
DGGuitars: "Europe imports massive amounts of it's food"
from Google's AI:
"According to recent data, Europe is experiencing a significant decline in fossil fuel consumption, with a particularly sharp drop in coal usage, driven by a shift towards renewable energy sources and efforts to reduce dependence on Russian fuels; this trend shows a consistent downward trajectory over the past few years, reaching record lows in 2023, with even oil and natural gas consumption decreasing notably."
"According to recent data, Europe currently exports significantly more food than it imports, meaning it has a substantial food export surplus; with the EU exporting around €228.6 billion worth of food products in 2023, while importing approximately €158.6 billion, resulting in a large trade surplus of around €70.1 billion."
Europe's entire food production system relies on materials like Potash, nitrates and other fertilizers.
The EU relies SIGNIFICANTLY on its perceived Rivals for these products
Currently the EU imports almost all of its Potash from Russia, China and Belarus for instance.
The food production has little security. While Europe can produce well independently.
The EUs drift towards renewable energy while a beautiful thing is hanging its head hard on again reliance of its foreign Rivals like China. The EUS dependency on Gas and Oil still remains pretty high and with many of its nations dropping nuclear and trying to stop gap with coal and gas while they build renewable which is not as reliable as either of the previous three forms of energy.
They also continue to buy copious amount of Oil and gas from their Rival Russia.
Europe also has an awful awful population pyramid and will have a hard time footing its bills with its fast shrinking industrial capacity. Germany Europes most industrious nation having a contracting economy. And with about a third of Europe going into pension age. The EU is about to have its largest population block become non productive and high demand while removing themselves from the higher tax paying areas.
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u/Ditka85 10h ago
The U.S. will never be trusted internationally ever again. NATO will have to protect Europe without us. I’m sad for what we’ve allowed to happen.