Greece to Set Up Cross-Ministerial Group to Study Nuclear Energy Deployment, with Focus on Small Modular Reactors

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced that Greece will establish a cross-ministerial group to study the scientific basis and legal framework required for the potential deployment of nuclear energy. The Greek government has approved the establishment of the relevant cross-ministerial body, laying the institutional foundation for subsequent assessment work.

At a cabinet meeting held on July 30, Mitsotakis stated that an increasing number of countries are considering generating electricity using small modular reactors, and Greece cannot ignore this trend. He said Greece should at least conduct research and obtain complete data before making any decisions. The effort aims to keep Greece abreast of international nuclear technology developments and build a professional basis for government decision-making.

In March this year, Mitsotakis also discussed the development potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) at the second Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris, and stated that the EU's abandonment of nuclear energy was a strategic mistake.

As planned, the cross-ministerial committee is expected to be established this autumn and will prepare a comprehensive assessment report in accordance with the procedures of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The report may include the establishment of a formal Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO) to handle subsequent planning, regulatory coordination, and project preparation. Nikos Tsafos, Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy of Greece, is reportedly expected to serve as coordinator and oversee the operation of the relevant bodies.

Nuclear energy has long been a sensitive topic in Greece. Due to the relatively high frequency of seismic activity in Greece, nuclear facility siting, seismic safety, and long-term regulatory capacity are expected to become key points of public discussion. Relevant authorities will also face the challenge of improving public participation and information transparency.

Meanwhile, French utility EDF is seeking investors for its small modular reactor business Nuward. EDF has previously stated that it plans to bring in investors for Nuward by the end of this year. Potential investors may include entities from Belgium, Finland, Poland, Greece, and Italy, as well as future technology buyers. Whether Greece will participate in Nuward investment has not yet been publicly confirmed as a final arrangement.