Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is steering the country toward an energy option long avoided in public discourse. On July 30, the Greek cabinet approved the creation of an inter-ministerial committee tasked with evaluating whether nuclear power could become part of the nation’s future energy strategy. Mitsotakis first introduced the idea in March at the 2nd Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris, describing the initiative as a pivotal shift for Greece’s energy policy. He emphasized the need for an organized, institutional approach to the discussion, signaling a major departure from past practices.
Shifting energy priorities
For many years, nuclear energy was considered a nonstarter in Greece, a country deeply affected by the 1986 Chornobyl disaster and naturally endowed with vast solar and wind resources. That cautious stance is now beginning to change, influenced by the country’s rising demand for electricity and the limitations of relying solely on renewables. The government has launched a study that will address technical, economic, and social aspects to determine if nuclear power could be a viable addition to the energy portfolio.
Mitsotakis has argued that nuclear energy could serve as a necessary supplement to renewable sources. Although solar and wind already contribute to over half of Greece’s electricity supply, they fall short of providing consistent power during periods of adverse weather. The Prime Minister maintains that for Greece to achieve energy security and maintain industrial competitiveness, it must consider all low-carbon options available.
Focus on small modular reactors
Among the technologies being explored, the government has shown a particular interest in next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs). These compact reactors offer quicker installation, enhanced flexibility, and reduced financial investment compared to traditional nuclear plants. Each SMR can generate up to 300 megawatts and is designed for modular assembly, which may cut construction delays and expenses. Mitsotakis made it clear, however, that Greece does not plan to pursue large-scale nuclear power stations in the near future.
Still, SMRs are not yet widely deployed and remain in the early stages of development. The decision to even consider the technology marks a significant shift for a country that once viewed nuclear power as too risky or unnecessary. Public perception and regulatory challenges will play critical roles in shaping the outcome of this emerging debate.
Europe’s nuclear resurgence
Greece’s reevaluation of nuclear energy fits into a broader trend across Europe. Nations like France, Poland, and Romania are actively expanding their nuclear capabilities, while Turkey is building its first nuclear plant at Akkuyu. Mitsotakis criticized the continent’s earlier move away from nuclear power as a strategic miscalculation, suggesting that recent advances in reactor technology justify a new perspective on the issue.
However, even as the door to nuclear energy opens in Greece, the path ahead is long and complex. The committee’s findings will take time to produce, and any potential project would require detailed planning, investment, and public support. Yet, the shift in political tone is unmistakable. Nuclear energy is no longer considered a taboo subject, and the conversation that once seemed unthinkable is now firmly underway.