Europe’s dependence on Russian gas has been made a priority by the conflict in Ukraine.

It International Energy Agency, a policy organization with members from 31 national governments, and the European CommissionThe Executive Arm of the European Union and a recently published plan for the future direction of Europe.

Both plans were published in roughly the same way. They recommend that EU concentrate on efficiency and renewables as well as imports of natural gas. One thing is clear: They differ.

The IEA suggests the following plan keeping existing nuclear plants operatingWhile you are at it, plan from the EUThere is no mention made of nuclear power.

It is not an easy task to address Russia’s natural gas imports. Natural gas accounts for 25% of EU’s total energy use. according to the Directorate-General for Energy for the EU. The EU is the only exception produces 10% of the natural gas it needsThe rest can be imported from other countries such as Russia (41%), Norway (24%), or Algeria (11%).

A press conference was held Tuesday. Frans TimmermansThe Green New Deal’s executive vice-president was asked by a reporter about nuclear power. It was not mentioned in the written document.

According to Timmermans’ statement, which was translated by an EU spokesperson and provided to CNBC, “Member states are free to make their own decisions regarding energy mix.” Timmermans explained that EU member states are legally bound to lower their emission and that “we will assist them in these choices.”

Timmermans stated that a dependence on nuclear must be balanced with a similar buildout of renewables.

Timmermans explained that “it is possible that certain Member States will decide, for example, to not use gas transitional energy carriers but continue to work with either nuclear or coal a bit longer than they thought.” It could also be a win-win situation if renewable energy is introduced faster for energy independence and climate.

The public sentiment about nuclear power has an impact on local politics. In the EU these sentiments vary from one country to another. When the European Commission proposed in February that nuke and coal could be a part of the transition to renewable energy, there was a lot of resistance. drew ire from many European leaders.

“Adding nuclear capability is clearly one of the necessary measures. However, nuclear has always been a tricky topic for the EU since certain countries (like France and Finland) are pro-nuclear, while others, such as Germany and Sweden are against it.” Kim TalusTulane University’s professor of energy law.

Regardless of public sentiment, increasing nuclear power requires time. This is something Europe doesn’t have when it comes to reducing its dependence on Russian natural gas.

According to the statement, “Nuclear power plants should be operating at maximum capacity but most of them aren’t.” Jonathan Stern, a ​distinguished research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. The addition of additional capacity can take years before it’s possible to be put online. Although new nuclear stations are in construction, they may not be ready for use until the following few years.

Some nukes power stations are not operating at maximum capacity, especially in France or Germany. This is because the reactors have been “programmed” to work in what’s known as “the normal mode.”load-following modeThis is how renewable energy resources adjust to the demand.

A group representing the nuclear industry, the World Nuclear Association recognizes that the EU and IEA have a different focus on nuclear power.

Jonathan Cobb, spokesperson at WNA stated that it is “true” the document’s emphasis is on the development of renewables as well as securing natural gas supplies. Cobb said that Cobb recommended the IEA’s plan be “considered,” according to CNBC.

The WNA states that it is important to examine the country-by-country situation. In Belgium, previous plans to shut down nuclear power plantsThe government officials are currently reviewing the situation in this country. In Germany, national leaders continue to disavow nuclear energyCobb reports that the Bavaria minister-president has asked Cobb to extend the lifespan of Bavaria’s nuclear power plants.

Cobb said that “the reasons given to reject the extended operation reactors Germany in Germany are not unsurmountable” and that it should not be considered a reason not to pursue this option.