Greece’s Nuclear Energy Shift: A New Era for the Mediterranean
Greece, long reliant on renewables and fossil fuels, is now exploring nuclear energy as a key pillar of its green transition. Inspired by Henri Becquerel, the pioneer of radioactivity, the nation is reconsidering its historical resistance to nuclear power. With Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis signaling a policy shift in 2025, Greece is evaluating floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) and small modular reactors (SMRs) to secure a low-carbon future.
Greece’s Historical Resistance to Nuclear Energy
For decades, Greece has avoided nuclear power, despite early interest in the 1960s and 1970s. The country’s energy strategy has focused on renewables, particularly solar and wind, which now account for over 50% of its electricity mix. However, with coal phased down to just 5% of production, the need for a stable, low-carbon energy source has become urgent.
The Role of Henri Becquerel in Modern Nuclear Discussions
While Henri Becquerel discovered radioactivity in 1896, his legacy now influences Greece’s energy debates. The nation’s shift mirrors Europe’s broader nuclear revival, where countries like France and Bulgaria lead in atomic energy. Greece’s leaders see nuclear as a way to decarbonize shipping, stabilize the grid, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ Nuclear Policy Shift
In June 2025, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced Greece’s willingness to join Europe’s “nuclear alliance”. This marked a turning point, as the government now considers nuclear energy essential for:
- Decarbonizing shipping (Greece dominates global maritime trade)
- Enhancing grid stability amid renewable fluctuations
- Powering desalination plants and data centers
- Reducing reliance on fossil fuels for long-term energy security
Industry Leaders Push for Floating Nuclear Power Plants
In November 2025, Greek energy firms CORE POWER, ABS Hellas, and Athlos Energy discussed deploying floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). These offshore reactors could serve islands, ports, and coastal regions, offering a flexible alternative to large land-based plants. However, experts warn that Greece lacks:
- Regulatory frameworks for nuclear deployment
- Expertise in waste management
- Public and political consensus on safety concerns
Greece’s Current Energy Landscape
Greece has made significant strides in renewables, but challenges remain. The country’s energy mix includes:
- Over 50% renewables (solar and wind)
- 5% coal (used mainly for backup)
- Natural gas (transitioning to cleaner alternatives)
Despite progress, Greece still faces:
- Grid instability due to renewable intermittency
- High energy costs amid global market fluctuations
- Dependence on imports for fossil fuels
The Case for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
Greece is exploring small modular reactors (SMRs) as a scalable solution. Unlike traditional nuclear plants, SMRs offer:
- Lower upfront costs
- Faster deployment (though still 15-20 years away)
- Flexibility for remote areas
However, critics argue that Greece’s infrastructure and regulatory gaps could delay SMR adoption.
Public and Political Challenges
Despite government support, nuclear energy faces public skepticism. Key concerns include:
- Safety risks (especially in earthquake-prone regions)
- Nuclear waste management
- High initial costs and long development timelines
Analysts suggest that public engagement and political leadership will be crucial in shaping Greece’s nuclear future.
Next Steps: A Phased Approach
Greece’s nuclear strategy may unfold in stages:
- Short-term: Extend lignite use and shift gas plants to diesel for supply security.
- Mid-term: Negotiate long-term nuclear electricity imports from Bulgaria.
- Long-term: Develop SMRs and FNPPs for domestic energy production.
While nuclear energy remains a distant goal, Greece’s policy shift signals a new era in Mediterranean energy dynamics.
“Greece should be prepared to join the nuclear alliance for its green transition.” — Kyriakos Mitsotakis, June 2025
Floating Nuclear Power Plants: Greece’s Island Energy Solution
Greece’s unique geography, with over 6,000 islands, presents both challenges and opportunities for energy infrastructure. Traditional nuclear power plants require vast land areas and extensive grid connections, making them impractical for remote island communities. This is where floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) emerge as a potential game-changer.
Why FNPPs Could Revolutionize Greece’s Energy Sector
FNPPs offer several advantages for Greece’s island energy needs:
- Mobility and flexibility to serve multiple locations
- Reduced land requirements compared to conventional plants
- Enhanced safety features with offshore siting
- Potential for desalination to address water scarcity
Industry leaders like CORE POWER are already exploring FNPP deployment in Greek waters, particularly for port cities and industrial hubs. These plants could provide stable, low-carbon electricity to support Greece’s shipping decarbonization goals, a critical sector contributing 7% to national GDP.
Challenges in FNPP Implementation
Despite their potential, FNPPs face significant hurdles in Greece:
- Regulatory uncertainty – Greece lacks specific laws for floating nuclear facilities
- Public acceptance – Concerns about maritime safety and environmental impacts
- Infrastructure requirements – Need for specialized ports and maintenance facilities
- International cooperation – Requires agreements with neighboring countries
Experts estimate that even with fast-tracked approvals, Greece’s first FNPP might not be operational before 2035-2040, requiring substantial investment in workforce training and safety protocols.
Greece’s Nuclear Energy Timeline: What to Expect
While Greece’s nuclear ambitions are gaining momentum, the timeline for implementation remains lengthy. Industry analysts project a 15-20 year horizon for significant nuclear capacity, with several key milestones along the way.
Short-Term (2025-2030): Policy Development and International Agreements
During this phase, Greece will focus on:
- Establishing nuclear regulatory frameworks through the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE)
- Negotiating long-term electricity import deals with Bulgaria’s Kozloduy nuclear plant
- Conducting feasibility studies for SMR and FNPP sites
- Launching public education campaigns to build support for nuclear energy
Prime Minister Mitsotakis has emphasized that Greece must “move quickly but carefully” to avoid the pitfalls of past failed nuclear programs from the 1970s and 1980s.
Medium-Term (2030-2040): Pilot Projects and Infrastructure Development
This decade will likely see Greece’s first concrete nuclear developments:
- First SMR pilot projects in collaboration with international partners
- Construction of FNPP infrastructure in strategic ports
- Development of nuclear waste management facilities
- Expansion of grid infrastructure to handle nuclear baseload power
Analysts predict that Greece’s first operational nuclear capacity—whether SMR or FNPP—will likely come online between 2038-2042, depending on regulatory approvals and technological advancements.
Long-Term (2040-2050): Full Integration into Greece’s Energy Mix
By mid-century, nuclear energy could play a significant role in Greece’s carbon-neutral electricity grid:
- Nuclear providing 20-30% of electricity alongside renewables
- Complete phase-out of coal and reduction of natural gas dependence
- Nuclear-powered desalination supporting water security
- Hydrogen production using nuclear electricity for shipping fuel
This timeline aligns with Greece’s 2050 fossil fuel independence goal, though success depends on sustained political will and technological progress.
Comparing Greece’s Nuclear Plans with Regional Leaders
Greece’s nuclear ambitions don’t exist in isolation. The country is closely watching its neighbors’ nuclear programs, particularly Bulgaria, Turkey, and Egypt, to inform its strategy.
Bulgaria: Greece’s Nuclear Electricity Supplier
Bulgaria currently operates two VVER-1000 reactors at its Kozloduy nuclear plant, providing about 35% of the country’s electricity. Greece has already begun negotiations to:
- Import nuclear electricity through long-term power purchase agreements
- Secure fixed pricing to stabilize energy costs
- Explore joint ventures in nuclear technology development
This partnership could serve as a bridge solution while Greece develops its domestic nuclear capacity.
Turkey and Egypt: Competing Nuclear Programs
Greece faces regional competition from:
- Turkey’s Akkuyu nuclear plant (4 VVER-1200 reactors, first unit operational by 2025)
- Egypt’s El Dabaa plant (4 VVER-1200 reactors under construction)
These projects highlight the geopolitical dimensions of nuclear energy in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece’s delayed entry into nuclear power means it must:
- Accelerate regulatory processes to remain competitive
- Leverage its EU membership for funding and expertise
- Focus on innovative solutions like SMRs and FNPPs where it can lead
Lessons from France’s Nuclear Success
Greece is studying France’s nuclear model, which generates about 70% of its electricity from nuclear. Key takeaways include:
- Standardized reactor designs to reduce costs and construction times
- Centralized waste management systems
- Strong government-industry partnerships
- Comprehensive public education programs
However, Greece must adapt these lessons to its smaller scale and different energy mix, where renewables will remain dominant.
Environmental Considerations: Nuclear vs. Renewables in Greece
As Greece pursues nuclear energy, environmental comparisons with renewables become crucial. Both energy sources offer low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels, but they present different challenges and benefits.
Carbon Footprint Comparison
Nuclear and renewable energy sources have significantly lower carbon footprints than fossil fuels:
- Nuclear power: ~12-20 gCO₂/kWh (lifecycle emissions)
- Solar PV: ~40-50 gCO₂/kWh
- Wind power: ~10-20 gCO₂/kWh
- Natural gas: ~400-500 gCO₂/kWh
- Coal: ~800-1000 gCO₂/kWh
Nuclear’s advantage lies in its consistent baseload capacity, complementing intermittent renewables.
Land and Resource Requirements
Nuclear energy offers significant land-use efficiency compared to renewables:
- Nuclear plant: ~1-4 km² per TWh/year
- Solar farm: ~20-50 km² per TWh/year
- Wind farm: ~50-100 km² per TWh/year
This efficiency is particularly valuable in Greece, where land availability for large-scale renewable projects is limited, especially on islands.
Water Usage and Environmental Impacts
Nuclear plants require significant water for cooling, a concern in water-scarce Greece:
- Traditional nuclear plants use ~2,500-4,000 liters per MWh
- FNPPs and advanced SMRs can reduce water usage through innovative cooling systems
- Solar and wind have minimal water requirements
Greece’s nuclear strategy must address water concerns, potentially through coastal siting and desalination integration.
“Nuclear energy isn’t about replacing renewables—it’s about creating a balanced, reliable energy system that can support Greece’s climate goals.” — Energy Policy Analyst, Demokritos Institute
The Economic Impact of Nuclear Energy on Greece’s Future
Greece’s potential shift to nuclear energy carries significant economic implications, from job creation to energy cost stabilization. As the country evaluates this transition, understanding the financial dimensions becomes crucial for policymakers and investors alike.
Job Creation and Workforce Development
The nuclear sector could generate thousands of high-skilled jobs across multiple disciplines:
- Construction and engineering for plant development
- Operations and maintenance of nuclear facilities
- Regulatory and safety oversight through expanded EEAE roles
- Research and development in nuclear technologies
Experts estimate that a single 1,000 MW nuclear plant could create 1,000-1,500 permanent jobs and 5,000-7,000 construction jobs during the building phase. Greece’s current unemployment rate of 10.8% makes this job creation particularly appealing.
Energy Cost Stabilization and Economic Competitiveness
Nuclear energy offers potential benefits for Greece’s energy pricing:
- Long-term price stability compared to volatile fossil fuel markets
- Reduced exposure to international gas price fluctuations
- Lower industrial electricity costs, boosting manufacturing competitiveness
Currently, Greek industries pay 20-30% more for electricity than their EU counterparts. Nuclear baseload power could reduce these costs, particularly for energy-intensive sectors like aluminum production and shipping.
Investment Requirements and Funding Sources
Developing nuclear infrastructure requires substantial capital investment:
- Large nuclear plant: €6-9 billion per unit
- Small Modular Reactor (SMR): €1-3 billion per unit
- Floating Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP): €2-4 billion per unit
Greece is exploring multiple funding avenues:
- EU Recovery and Resilience Funds for clean energy projects
- Public-private partnerships with international nuclear vendors
- Foreign direct investment from nuclear technology leaders
Public Perception and the Path to Nuclear Acceptance
Despite government enthusiasm, nuclear energy faces significant public skepticism in Greece. Historical accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima have left lasting impressions, while domestic concerns about seismic activity add to the apprehension.
Current Public Opinion on Nuclear Energy
Recent polls reveal mixed sentiments among Greeks:
- 38% support nuclear energy development
- 42% oppose due to safety concerns
- 20% undecided, indicating potential for persuasion
Key concerns driving opposition include:
- Earthquake risks in a seismically active region
- Nuclear waste storage challenges
- Potential environmental impacts on tourism and agriculture
Strategies for Building Public Trust
To gain broader acceptance, Greece’s nuclear program must prioritize:
- Transparent communication about safety measures
- Independent regulatory oversight through strengthened EEAE
- Community engagement in siting decisions
- Education campaigns highlighting nuclear’s role in climate goals
International examples show that public acceptance can improve with demonstrated safety records and economic benefits. Finland’s recent nuclear projects saw support grow from 30% to over 60% through such efforts.
Technological Innovations Shaping Greece’s Nuclear Future
Greece’s nuclear ambitions rely on emerging technologies that could redefine energy production. These innovations offer solutions tailored to the country’s unique geographical and economic challenges.
Small Modular Reactors: The Game-Changer for Greece
SMRs present several advantages for Greece’s energy transition:
- Smaller footprint suitable for island deployment
- Modular construction reducing build times to 3-5 years
- Enhanced safety features with passive cooling systems
- Load-following capabilities to complement renewables
Greece is particularly interested in molten salt reactors and high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, which offer:
- Inherent safety through fuel design
- Waste reduction capabilities
- Industrial heat applications for desalination
Advanced Floating Nuclear Power Plants
Next-generation FNPPs could address Greece’s island energy challenges:
- Offshore siting minimizing land use conflicts
- Mobile deployment to serve multiple locations
- Integrated desalination systems for water production
Russian and Chinese FNPP designs are already operational, with Western alternatives under development that Greece might consider for geopolitical alignment.
Nuclear-Powered Hydrogen Production
Greece’s shipping industry could benefit from nuclear-produced hydrogen:
- Clean fuel for maritime transportation
- Energy storage solution for renewable excess
- Industrial applications in refineries and manufacturing
The European Hydrogen Strategy positions Greece as a potential hub, with nuclear energy providing the stable electricity needed for cost-effective hydrogen production.
Conclusion: Greece’s Nuclear Crossroads
Greece stands at a pivotal moment in its energy history. The country’s exploration of nuclear power represents both a climate necessity and an economic opportunity, but the path forward remains complex and challenging.
Key Takeaways from Greece’s Nuclear Journey
The most critical insights emerging from Greece’s nuclear considerations include:
- Nuclear energy could provide 20-30% of Greece’s electricity by 2050, complementing renewables
- Floating nuclear plants and SMRs offer the most viable near-term solutions
- Public acceptance remains the biggest hurdle, requiring transparent engagement
- Regional cooperation with Bulgaria and EU support will be essential
- Economic benefits could outweigh costs through job creation and energy stability
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Greece’s nuclear future hinges on several critical factors:
- Political continuity beyond current leadership
- Technological advancements in SMR and FNPP designs
- International partnerships for funding and expertise
- Balancing speed with safety in implementation
As Prime Minister Mitsotakis stated, Greece must “be prepared to join the nuclear alliance”—but preparation requires more than political will. It demands comprehensive planning, public trust-building, and international collaboration to transform nuclear energy from a distant possibility into a cornerstone of Greece’s clean energy future.
“The question isn’t whether Greece will embrace nuclear energy, but how quickly and effectively it can integrate this powerful tool into its climate strategy while maintaining the trust of its citizens and the stability of its economy.” — Energy Transition Analyst
In the coming decade, Greece’s choices will determine whether it becomes a Mediterranean nuclear pioneer or remains dependent on imported energy. The potential rewards—energy independence, economic growth, and climate leadership—make this one of the most consequential decisions in modern Greek history.
