There is still no final disposal solution for nuclear waste. Nevertheless, there are encouragements to classify atomic energy or gas as “green” energy. That is “grossly irresponsible,” says Greenpeace.
Environmental organizations warn the European Commission against classifying nuclear power and natural gas as environmentally friendly energies.
Such a move would contradict the measures that would be needed to limit climate change to 1.5 degrees, said Sébastien Godinot of WWF on Thursday. The inclusion of nuclear power and natural gas in the so-called EU taxonomy would be “grossly irresponsible,” said Greenpeace activist Silvia Pastorelli.
The background to this is ongoing work by the EU Commission on a classification system for sustainable investments. This should give investors clear guidelines as to which investments are considered climate-friendly – the label therefore offers enormous financial advantages.
A paper circulated in Brussels calling for nuclear power and gas to be included in the taxonomy. According to diplomats, it comes from France, but is also supported by a number of other countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic. So far, Germany has clearly spoken out against classifying nuclear power as climate-friendly. However, there is a strong lobby for promoting gas as a transition technology in order to secure the electricity supply after the planned nuclear and coal phase-out.
Under the criteria proposed in the paper, half of the existing gasworks in the EU would be “green”, said Godinot. It could also finance new gas works that could run until 2065. According to the WWF economist, this is not compatible with the EU’s climate protection goals.
Roger Spautz from Greenpeace warned of the environmental consequences of radioactive waste produced by nuclear fission. “In our opinion, the nuclear industry wants to be in the taxonomy because it wants to steal money to keep its old reactors running,” said Spautz. After 70 years, the nuclear industry has still not found a solution for nuclear waste, said WWF colleague Godinot.
According to the responsible EU finance commissioner Mairead McGuinness, the decision on the classification of nuclear and gas should be made by the end of the year. The member states and the EU Parliament then have two months to raise objections – otherwise the taxonomy comes into force.
Source From: Stern
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
