Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, Denmark, and Austria have all expressed concern about the buildup of nuclear power stations and radioactive waste.
Alexander Lehmann is the head of the Sustainable World Academy, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management. He said that there were many visions of low carbon transition. He said that the transition’s costs begin to hit people and that opposing energy policies have become more apparent. It has exposed key opponents.
A green taxonomy, which includes nuclear and natural gas energy, could have major implications for Europe and the United States.
It could unlock billions in European state aid for expensive nuclear power projects. It would be easier for banks and pension managers to include natural gas and nuclear energy companies in sustainable investment funds they offer to clients.
Marisa Drew from Credit Suisse, the head for sustainable investing, said that nuclear was generally not considered ESG-friendly. E.U. However, approval would open up a potential big wave of investment dollars. She said that billions of dollars in ESG money could be directed in this direction.
Sandrine Dixson Declve, copresident of Club of Rome and member of the panel that advised European Commission nuclear and natural gas, said neither power source could possibly be considered green.
She stated that the European Commission Advisory Platform on Sustainable Finance concluded earlier this year, that nuclear power plants pose significant risks to the environment due to the radioactive waste they produce and safety concerns over its storage.