Europe forecast to decommission 150 nuclear plants by 2030

That’s the conclusion of a new report by energy intelligence provider GlobalData, which revealed that Europe accounts for 69% of the 200 closures globally.

In contrast, the US was shown to have granted a life extension to 71 plants and is expecting to close just five plants – out of an estimated 200 power closures anticipated globally. The 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan is thought to have accelerated plans by many European countries to a phase out nuclear, with Germany and Belgium aiming to end production by 2030.

The European commercial nuclear decommissioning market value was shown to stand at £52,264m with the UK, France and Russian scoring the highest decommissioning market values at £12.4m, £13,785m and £8,624m respectively.

The Asia-Pacific region was shown to represent the second highest market value at £13,031m while North America offers the smallest amount at £5,243m.

Carys Matthews