RRI.CO.ID. Jakarta: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) organized the Energy Summit in Paris, France, on March 10, 2026, amid heightened tensions over global energy supplies due to the US-Israeli war with Iran. French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a speech about energy self-reliance through civilian nuclear power, emphasizing Europe's vulnerability.

Macron urged European countries to expand civilian nuclear power for energy independence, warning that the Middle East war exposed Europe's vulnerability. "Nuclear power is key to reconciling independence and decarbonisation," he said. European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, echoed this, stating Europe's turn away from nuclear power exposed fossil fuel "vulnerability".

Von der Leyen, said Europe must leverage nuclear and renewables for independence and security. She noted nuclear energy's decline in Europe (from 33% in 1990 to 15% today) but highlighted a global revival. The EU plans a €200 million guarantee for innovative nuclear tech and a strategy for small modular reactors (SMRs).

SMRs are advanced reactors with up to 300 MW capacity, simpler and more affordable than traditional reactors. However, nuclear energy remains controversial due to safety risks and waste disposal concerns. Greenpeace protested, citing ties between France and Russia's Rosatom despite Ukraine's invasion.

Two activists interrupted Macron's speech, unfurling a "Nuclear power fuels Russia's war" banner. Greenpeace accused France of buying uranium from Russia and said the summit ignored geopolitical tensions and climate change.

The summit aimed to discuss nuclear energy's role in achieving carbon neutrality. Macron and von der Leyen, emphasized nuclear power's reliability and low emissions. Yet environmental groups like Greenpeace oppose nuclear energy due to unresolved safety and waste issues.

Nuclear energy's revival faces opposition from those prioritizing renewables. The EU's strategy includes SMRs, aiming for deployment by the early 2030s. This approach seeks to balance energy security with decarbonization goals.

The summit highlighted nuclear energy's complex role in Europe's future, with proponents pushing for its potential and critics warning of risks. The debate continues as Europe navigates energy independence and climate commitments.

Source: AFP/RFI