The European Commission (EC) said that natural gas and nuclear energy both have roles to play in the EU’s shift to renewable energy.
The statement from the Commission said that, taking account of scientific advice and current technological progress, as well as varying transition challenges across member states, the EC considers there is a role for natural gas and nuclear as a means to facilitate the transition towards a predominantly renewable-based future.
Mentioning EU measures that work to guide and mobilize private investment to achieve climate neutrality in the next 30 years, EC pointed out that some countries in the continent are still heavily based on high carbon-emitting coal. In light of this, the Commission sees nuclear energy and natural gas as elements that contribute to the transition to climate neutrality, under clear and tight conditions.
Therefore, the EC will amend its measures so that investors can identify if activities include gas or nuclear activities, and to what extent, so they can make an informed choice.
The statement also said that phasing out of more harmful energy sources such as coal would be accelerated.