IDA’s position on nuclear power

For many years, IDA has advocated the accelerated expansion of renewable energy and improved energy efficiency, and these remain key priorities for the organisation.

In recent years, nuclear power has once again become part of the public debate as a potential technology in the transition towards a climate-neutral energy supply.

As a result, IDA’s Executive Board adopted an official position on nuclear power in spring 2024. You can find this position outlined below.

In addition, the Executive Board established an expert group in 2022 to investigate and compare the potential of a number of energy technologies that are not widely used in Denmark today but could become important in the future.

One of these technologies was nuclear power – both Generation III and Generation IV reactors. The review also included geothermal energy, geothermal energy storage in buildings, and energy generation based on ocean energy.

The expert group thoroughly assessed the potential of these technologies and produced a number of cross-disciplinary recommendations on how IDA can continue exploring future energy solutions. The report, Energy Production for the Future, can be read here.

IDA’s position on nuclear power

• IDA believes that each country should choose the energy technologies that can most effectively and rapidly deliver a climate-neutral energy system. In many parts of the world, nuclear power is part of the solution for achieving a fossil-free energy supply. The technology is developing rapidly, particularly within Generation III and Generation IV nuclear power, creating new opportunities and potential.
• IDA believes that Denmark’s long-term energy planning should remain open to the possibility of incorporating other energy technologies, including nuclear power, as part of the overall energy mix. To date, Danish scenarios for fossil-free energy production have focused primarily on wind and solar power, supplemented by biogas and biomass.
• IDA believes that planning for any form of energy production must be based on a robust and comprehensive evidence base. This applies equally to nuclear power. If nuclear energy is to play a role in Denmark’s energy planning, a political decision will be required. IDA recognises that a number of factors must be clarified before committing to any energy technology, including costs, waste management, possible locations, and the technology’s contribution to a more resilient energy system. If Denmark is to explore the option of generating energy from nuclear power, the decision-making process should be based on the same type of analysis of costs and potential. In 2023, IDA’s Expert Group on Future Energy Technologies concluded that, if nuclear power were to become part of Danish energy production, it would likely take around 20 years from the political decision to implementation within the energy system.
• In light of technological developments, IDA believes that the Danish Parliament’s 1985 decision not to include nuclear power in public energy planning should be revised. Denmark should adopt an open approach to identifying and procuring the most effective fossil-free energy mix for the future. In this context, Denmark should also assess the benefits of collaborating with other countries, particularly neighbouring countries with experience of nuclear power.
• IDA believes it is important to maintain expertise and support technological development. IDA therefore supports research and education across all energy technologies, including nuclear power. Nuclear energy is already used in several neighbouring countries and many other countries around the world, and it is likely to play a larger role in the future. Denmark should therefore take an active part in the development of nuclear technologies.
• IDA will contribute relevant and evidence-based knowledge about all energy technologies, including nuclear power.

How IDA works with nuclear power

• IDA’s professional societies and networks regularly host events where different energy technologies are discussed.
• IDA has launched a new energy systems analysis, which will be carried out by an expert group appointed by IDA’s Executive Board. IDA has produced this type of analysis since 2006 under the title IDA’s Climate Response. The new study will examine how the Danish energy system can meet Denmark’s political climate and energy targets. This will include an assessment of what role nuclear power could play in the Danish energy system.
• As an organisation, IDA participates as an observer in the Danish Nuclear Alliance in order to follow the latest technological developments as well as the ongoing debate on nuclear power in Denmark.
  In addition, the technical network IDA Nuclear is a full member of the alliance.

December 2025