Situation and Perspectives for Nuclear and Solar Energy in Europe

Availability of secure, sustainable and competitive sources of energy is essential to economic growth, prosperity and quality of life in Europe. In view of the expected growth in demand for energy, of the increasing evidence of the climate change and the aim to ensure the security of energy supply in Europe further reflections on nuclear and solar energy as best potential energy sources in the Europe energy mix is needed. Nuclear energy, supplying over 31 per cent of electricity demand, plays a key role in the EU’s generation structure. Nonetheless, the current situation in the European nuclear sector is very diverse. Though the future prospect of nuclear energy is still uncertain in many member states, the general trend shows a renaissance of nuclear generation, hence the market is expected to witness solid growth over the medium and long term. The market growth of solar thermal systems and photovoltaics in Europe depends on the policy of the governments towards the use of solar energy systems, on the sensitivity of the people concerning environment and on the improvement of the technology combined with price reduction of solar systems. Considering the target of EU for 12% from renewables in 2010, solar energy systems can play a significant role in many countries. A renewed interest in Concentrating Solar Power is rapidly growing worldwide. Indeed, new commercial applications for electricity production are starting right now, 20 years after the deployment of the first plants in the Mojave desert, still operating since the early ’80s.