Denmark should invest in nuclear energy, alliance says

The alliance is led by, among others, the Confederation of Danish Industry, Dansk Metal and the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Its members also include chemical engineering firm Topsoe and engineering consultancy Niras, as well as the private equity fund 92 Capital, which concentrates its investments in the nuclear energy sector.

"The alliance consists of companies, business organisations, trade unions, foundations, research environments, and experts who wish to contribute to a factual and forward-looking dialogue about the role of nuclear power in Denmark's and Europe's energy supply," the alliance says. "The initiative stems from a shared desire to strengthen the fact-based debate and create better framework conditions for innovation, research, and industry in Denmark.

"The starting point is objectivity and technological neutrality. We will examine nuclear power in a Danish context, contribute analyses and promote dialogue with politicians, authorities and the public so that the debate is conducted on an informed basis. We will collaborate internationally and ensure that Danish interests are clearly represented in the EU’s work on small modular reactors (SMRs).

"International organisations such as the United Nations, the International Energy Agency, and the European Commission assess that nuclear power can form a necessary and sustainable part of an integrated solution for the future energy system. This should be reflected in Danish energy policy."

Forty years ago, in 1985, the Danish parliament passed a resolution that nuclear power plants would not be built in the country.

However, in a parliamentary vote in May this year, two-thirds of Danish MPs supported the country launching an investigation into the possible use of nuclear power to enhance its energy security. A report on the potential benefits of new nuclear power technologies is expected to be completed next year.

"We will have to remove these bans," Emil Drevsfeldt Nielsen, head of business policy at Dansk Metal was quoted as saying by Børsen. "But also invest in research and development. It is the first step on the journey to becoming part of this international technology development ... Nuclear power is one of the key technologies that will help strengthen our energy independence."

"The great thing about nuclear power is that once we take the capital costs into account, it becomes really cheap," said Confederation of Danish Industry Deputy Director Troels Ranis. "That's what we're looking for in the industry: access to competitive, stable and secure energy. And that there is predictability in our energy system."