Denmark is evaluating the potential lifting of a four-decade prohibition on nuclear power as part of a strategy to bolster its energy security, as reported by Reuters, citing the country’s Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, Lars Aagaard.
The Danish government will analyse the benefits of new nuclear power technologies, with its findings expected by 2026.
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The move marks a significant policy shift in a country that has prioritised expanding wind and solar power.
The energy minister emphasised the importance of its analysis during a public hearing in parliament.
“Denmark has no recent experience with nuclear power, which is why it is important that we start analysing the potential,” Aagaard stated.
He acknowledged the limitations of relying solely on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, highlighting the need for a diversified energy mix.
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By GlobalData“We all know that of course we can’t have an electricity system based on solar and wind alone. There has to be something else to support it.”
The minister also addressed the challenges associated with adopting new nuclear technologies.
“Can we say with confidence that this technology is safe? Where do we dispose of the nuclear waste? Are our authorities prepared if something goes wrong? And so on and so forth. We don’t have that knowledge, but we need it,” Aagaard explained.
Despite the openness to new nuclear technology, Aagaard dismissed the possibility of traditional nuclear power making a comeback in Denmark, which officially banned it in 1985.
The 2005 closure of the Barseback 2 nuclear reactor, located near Copenhagen but over the border in neighbouring Sweden, was a moment of celebration for Denmark.
Sweden’s current government has now adopted a pro-nuclear stance and is looking to expand its capacity.
