Europe's Energy Crisis: Nuclear Power's Comeback

0:00On April 3rd, Europe's feeling the heat from skyrocketing gas and petrol prices all tied to tensions in the Middle East choking off supplies. Families are stressing over bills, industries are hurting, and the European Commission is urging folks to work from home and cut back on travel. Meanwhile, leaders are pushing nuclear power as the key to breaking free from fossil fuel dependence. Back in 1990, nuclear generated about a third of Europe's electricity, but that's dropped to just 15% on average. Now the continent imports over 50% of its energy, mostly oil and gas, leaving it exposed to price swings and supply cuts like those from Russia or Iran. Countries with more renewables like Spain are faring better on electricity costs than gas heavy spots like Italy or Germany. Reactions are shifting fast. Italy's drafting laws to lift its nuclear ban, Greece is debating new reactors despite quake worries, Sweden reversed it. Old phase out, and the UK's chancellor just streamlined regs to speed up projects.

1:05Polls show most scots now back nuclear too, while France's Macron hypes it for low-carbon goals and powering AI data centers. But nuclear ain't a quick fix, plants take years to build, with delays plaguing projects in France and the UK, safety fears, waste issues, and high-cost linger, plus some nations still rely on Russian tech. But say maintaining current levels is tough enough without massive investments. Enter small modular reactors, factory built and suited for AI and hydrogen, they're getting a $330 million euro EU boost aiming for the early 2030s. It's a long game play for energy sovereignty, but right now Europe's still hooked on imports racing to diversify before the next crisis hits. World news, powered by AI? This is Global News Today, I'm Corey with the story.