Greece has been preparing for a potential entry into nuclear power since March 2026. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced the assessment on March 10 at the nuclear summit in Paris. A ministerial committee is tasked with examining small modular reactors (SMRs) for the Greek energy market, as Athens intends to shut down its remaining lignite-fired power plants by 2028. At the same time, the country requires a reliable source of electricity to complement wind and solar power. However, a lack of experience, high costs, and the risk of earthquakes complicate potential construction. No decision regarding reactors, sites, or investments has been made so far.
Adopting nuclear power aims to reduce reliance on natural gas
Greece generates an increasing share of its electricity from renewable sources. However, wind and solar installations do not always supply the required power. Consequently, gas-fired power plants, in particular, continue to play a vital role in the electricity grid. In the long term, a nuclear power plant could provide dispatchable electricity. At the same time, it could lower the demand for imported natural gas.
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Mitsotakis had already shown interest in new reactor concepts prior to the summit. In February 2026, he confirmed the establishment of a working group to monitor the technology. At the same time, he emphasized that no decision had yet been made, noting that available models were not yet sufficiently economically competitive. The new ministerial committee is therefore tasked with examining technical and financial options.
Focus on Small Modular Reactors
The Greek government is focusing primarily on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These units have a lower power output than conventional large-scale reactors. Furthermore, their components are designed to be largely standardized and factory-built. Suppliers promise shorter construction times and lower project costs as a result. However, there are currently no commercial serial projects in Europe.
According to the US Department of Commerce, the adoption of nuclear power could occur no earlier than 2030 or 2035. Before that, Greece would need to conduct a feasibility study and select suitable technologies. The country also requires an independent regulatory body for commercial nuclear power plants. Specialized personnel, liability regulations, and emergency plans would also be necessary. These prerequisites entail significant costs prior to actual construction.
Floating Reactors Remain a Theoretical Option
The Greek Deon Policy Institute is also investigating floating nuclear power plants. In this concept, small reactors are situated on ships or platforms off the coast. Such facilities could therefore supply power to islands, ports, or industrial areas. Greece’s maritime infrastructure could, in principle, support their operation. However, the government has not ordered a floating power plant.
While floating reactors avoid certain land-based siting issues, they introduce additional risks associated with storms, collisions, and sabotage. Furthermore, ports would need to be secured against severe earthquakes and high waves. Transporting spent fuel also requires clear regulations; Greece currently possesses neither a final repository nor a commercial nuclear infrastructure.
EU Accelerates Development of Small Reactors
The review in Athens coincides with a new European SMR strategy. The EU Commission also published the program on March 10, 2026. It aims to enable the deployment of the first European SMR plants in the early 2030s. Furthermore, it projects an SMR capacity of 17 to 53 gigawatts by 2050. Joint licensing processes and supply chains are intended to accelerate development.
Nevertheless, Greece’s entry into nuclear power remains a long-term project with no decision yet made to proceed with construction. First, the ministerial committee must weigh the benefits, costs, and safety requirements. Subsequently, the government could deliberate on potential sites and international partners. Athens must also establish binding regulations for the disposal of radioactive waste. Until then, natural gas will remain a key component of Greece’s electricity supply.
Author: Blackout News
Sourcesn: Greek City Times (16.06.26) – NucNet (15.06.26) – Handelsblatt (14.06.26) – ICJT (05.06.26) – ABS (27.05.26)