The EU at a crossroads: nuclear power or renewable energy?
On 5 December 2025 the City of Vienna published a explosive press release that sheds new light on European energy policy. Jürgen Czernohorszky, Vienna's committed city councillor for climate, warns urgently about the EU's plans to rely on Small Modular Reactors (SMR). These small modular reactors are being touted as the saviors of the nuclear industry, but is that confidence really justified?
What are Small Modular Reactors?
Small Modular Reactors, or SMRs, are a new form of nuclear reactor that are smaller and modular in design compared with conventional nuclear power plants. They are intended to be more flexible to deploy and easier to build. Yet despite the attractive advantages, to date there is no commercial SMR successfully in operation.
According to the City of Vienna's press release, all previous attempts to establish SMRs have failed due to technical and economic problems. Czernohorszky emphasizes: 'For decades small reactors have been presented as supposed saviors. But the reality is different.'
An unrealistic goal for 2050?
The European Commission has set ambitious climate targets: by 2050 CO2 emissions are to be drastically reduced. Part of the plan is the development of an SMR sector. But experts are skeptical. The necessary technical developments and the lengthy approval procedures by nuclear regulatory authorities make widespread production by 2050 almost impossible.
Norbert Hörmayer, deputy environmental ombudsman of Vienna, explains: 'To achieve the economic viability of SMRs, hundreds of these reactors would have to be built across Europe. Many of them would be near residential areas, which poses an enormous safety risk.'
The safety concerns
A study by the Vienna Environmental Ombudsman's Office has identified numerous problems with current SMR projects. The proximity to residential areas and the uncertainty regarding long-term safety are just a few of the concerns. These risks make the EU's SMR strategy a dangerous game with an uncertain outcome.
The alternative: Renewable energies
While nuclear power continues to struggle with problems, renewable energy sources such as wind power and photovoltaics are experiencing a boom. In 2024 alone, 80 gigawatts of new capacity were installed in the EU. In total, there are now 850 gigawatts of green energy, compared to only 100 gigawatts in the nuclear sector.
"We must continue to promote the development of renewable energies," demands Czernohorszky. "Investments in nuclear power tie up funds that we urgently need for the energy transition."
Austria's pioneering role
Austria decided against nuclear power at an early stage and is focusing on renewable energies instead. This path has proven successful and could serve as a model for other European countries.
The expansion of wind and solar energy has led to a stable and environmentally friendly energy supply in Austria. The prices for these technologies have fallen significantly thanks to technological advances and mass production.
The political pressure on the EU
The debate about the future of Europe's energy supply is also being intensely conducted at the political level. Vienna's critical stance toward the EU's SMR strategy could increase pressure on the Commission to consider alternative solutions.
“The EU must decide whether to continue relying on risky nuclear technologies or to embark on a path to a green future,” Czernohorszky concluded.
A glimpse into the future
The coming years will be decisive for European energy policy. Will renewable energies prevail, or will nuclear power make a comeback? The answer to this question will not only significantly affect Europe's energy supply but also global climate policy.
Developments in Vienna and the critical voices from Austria could be a wake-up call for European politics. It remains to be seen how the EU Commission will respond to the growing pressure and which direction it will ultimately take.
