DAVID HESS | OPINION There is a certain irony to the fact that none of the countries that


have directly experienced a major nuclear accident are among the false start countries. Indeed, these countries are now some of the most


pro-nuclear of all. The recent news that Japan has proposed replacing up to 14 nuclear reactors by 2040 is music to the ears.


book to explain the various factors that contributed. There are some common elements, however. In many if not all cases a surge in radiophobia played its part in eroding public and political acceptance – heightened by a nuclear accident. Another recurring theme is a loss of trust either in


government, industry or both. In fact, it is the government that often becomes the primary focus of public ire – but if the nuclear sector is too closely associated with a given leader, political party or perhaps foreign hegemon, it can find itself the victim when regime change finally takes place. There is a certain irony to the fact that none of the


countries that have directly experienced a major nuclear accident are among the false start countries. Indeed, these countries are now some of the most pro-nuclear of all. The recent news that Japan has proposed replacing up to 14 nuclear reactors by 2040 is music to the ears, and a clear sign that the Japanese sector is on the path to recovery. If there is a lesson to be found in the above, it is that


there is no single global narrative defining nuclear energy development. The opportunities and challenges confronting the industry vary country by country, and are all tied to larger socio-economic, political and even cultural movements. Certainly, nuclear accidents play a role, but this role is surprisingly complex, and accidents may also serve as teaching moments. To be an effective advocate for the technology requires awareness of all this. It is easy to forget that the global nuclear industry spent the better part of the last decade in the doldrums. The discovery of hydraulic fracturing and the emergence of a super-cheap fracked natural gas resource pressured otherwise perfectly fine US nuclear plants to retire early, while the accident at Fukushima Daiichi cratered the Japanese nuclear sector and led to government-mandated phase-out policies in certain European countries and Taiwan. Today, halfway through 2026 – and riding high on the back


of surging AI-driven energy demand, and in the context of an apparently never-ending series of energy crises disrupting fossil fuel supply – the prospects for nuclear energy are perhaps better than they have ever been. Announcements of countries or companies moving ahead with new-build programmes seem to come almost weekly. We appear to have entered a golden age of nuclear acceptance. Indeed, many of the false start countries are now back


on the path of nuclear development, Italy, Kazakhstan, the Philippines and Poland among them. There are even


whispers floating around that Germany and Taiwan might join them. It is as if the final act of closing that last nuclear plant is not so final after all. Put simply, the nuclear phase-out is itself on the brink


of becoming a relic of the past. South Korea, Sweden and Belgium have changed course. Switzerland was never really in this club, but even there the block on new-builds looks like it will soon be lifted. The number of countries that are actively maintaining this policy have been whittled down to arguably just one. The last nuclear phase-out remains steadfastly under way in Spain. There are seven operating nuclear power reactors in


Spain, which generate roughly 20% of national electricity. The country’s phase-out plans would see four reactors close by the end of 2030, while the remaining three reactors are due to shut by 2035. Spanish energy policy continues to sing from the


renewables hymn sheet, aiming for 100% renewable electricity generation by the year 2050. This is a target it seems inclined to meet sooner rather than later, with the 2030 target having been increased from 74% to 81%. Certainly, the country is amply blessed with renewable


resources, and the current mix consists of around 22% wind, 19% solar photovoltaic and 12% hydropower. Combined cycle gas plants make up 14% and other renewables account for roughly 4%. With the addition of nuclear this mix is already mostly decarbonised, balanced between energy sources and quite enviable. It is not too late for Spain to see the light, and with


national elections next year it seems there is everything to fight for. The global nuclear industry should be ready to chip in here and assist local advocates in any way it can. While from a big picture perspective perhaps it doesn’t matter if the Spanish phase-out goes through on a more intimate level, yes it counts. We should not allow Spain to repeat Germany’s mistake without trying our level-headed best to change that outcome. One of the symbolic moments of victory for the anti-


nuclear activist is when cooling towers are demolished in a spectacular detonation. If/when the Spanish phase-out is defeated, perhaps the towers at Asco or Cofrentes could be repainted with the addition of an epitaph: ‘Here lies the last nuclear phase-out, defeated by common sense and a global cultural movement that finally appreciates the value of nuclear energy’. A fitting epitaph fit for the future of energy. ■


Put simply, the nuclear phase-out is itself on the brink of becoming a relic of the past. South Korea, Sweden and Belgium have changed their course. Switzerland was never really in this club, but even there, the block on new- builds looks like it will soon be lifted. The number of countries that are actively maintaining this policy have been whittled down to arguably just one.


www.neimagazine.com | July 2026 | 15


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