Denmark is considering lifting 40-year-old nuclear power ban, minister says

Denmark is contemplating the removal of a 40-year-old prohibition on nuclear energy to improve its energy security, according to its energy minister, indicating a major policy change in a nation that has focused on increasing wind and solar energy.

The Danish government plans to examine the possible advantages of emerging nuclear power technologies, with a report anticipated to be completed next year, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard mentioned in an interview with the Danish daily Politiken, published late Tuesday.

“We can see that there is a development underway with new nuclear power technologies – small, modular reactors,” Aagaard said in remarks confirmed by his ministry on Wednesday.

“But it’s not enough that they have potential. We also need to know what it means for Danish society if we are to enable these technologies,” he said.

He also dismissed the idea that traditional nuclear power technologies would return in Denmark, which banned it in 1985.

“We continue the energy policy we have pursued for many years in Denmark. Solar and wind are the cheapest and fastest way to the green transition,” Aagaard said.

In 2005, Danes rejoiced when nearby Sweden closed the Barseback 2 nuclear reactor, situated close to Copenhagen just across the Oresund strait. Despite Sweden shutting down additional nuclear plants in the last ten years, the current administration is firmly supportive of nuclear energy and aims to develop new facilities.

On Wednesday afternoon, Aagaard is scheduled to attend a public hearing in parliament and respond to inquiries from opposition parties advocating for the reintroduction of nuclear power.