Natural gas and nuclear energy both have roles to play in the shift to renewable energy, the EU executive said on Saturday.
'Taking account of scientific advice and current technological progress, as well as varying transition challenges across Member States, the Commission considers there is a role for natural gas and nuclear as a means to facilitate the transition towards a predominantly renewable-based future,' the European Commission said in a written statement.
Mentioning EU measures that work to guide and mobilize private investment to achieve climate neutrality in the next 30 years, the commission pointed out that some countries in the continent are still 'heavily' based on high carbon-emitting coal.
In light of this, the commission sees nuclear energy and natural gas as elements that contribute to the transition to climate neutrality, under clear and tight conditions, it said.
The commission will amend its measures “so that investors can identify if activities include gas or nuclear activities, and to what extent, so they can make an informed choice,' it added.
The statement also stressed that phasing out of more harmful energy sources such as coal would be accelerated.
It added that “the criteria for the gas and nuclear activities will be updated as technology evolves.'
By Burak Bir
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr