Greece Nuclear market

During the past year, the Greek government has signaled a shift from its traditional stance against nuclear energy towards a willingness to consider the issue, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressing the government’s interest for the first time: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ address at the 2nd Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris | Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic. During a European Nuclear Alliance meeting on March 17, 2025, Greek Deputy Minister of Energy Nikos Tsafos emphasized the crucial role of nuclear energy in the European Union.  

As Greece moves towards realizing the goal of becoming a regional energy hub, the country is looking to expand its energy mix for several key reasons. The country hosts six Data Centers, with four additional in the coming years, which will require stable sources of energy.  Given Greece’s status as a global shipping leader, there are market drivers pushing the exploration of nuclear propulsion to decarbonize the maritime industry. Many of Greece’s neighbors are already developing or using nuclear energy, with Türkiye’s Akkuyu nuclear power plant expected to be operational in 2026, Bulgaria increasing its existing units by two, Serbia planning reactors, and Romania operating two nuclear units.

Greek interest in nuclear energy reflects global demand. Regulatory frameworks in Europe are beginning to move at pace to accommodate new nuclear applications, including floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) and transportable nuclear power plants (TNPPs). Improvements in SMR designs, changing international rules, and the creation of marine nuclear working groups like Nuclear Energy Maritime Organization (NEMO) and the NuclearDrive Consortium, demonstrate growing industry interest in exploring nuclear as an economically viable option.  The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has agreed to overhaul its regulations for nuclear-powered ships.  As the global maritime industry looks at lowering carbon emissions to meet global climate goals, Greek shipowners are examining nuclear propulsion and participating in discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).  The 2026 edition of the biannual Posidonia shipping industry trade show in Athens, June 1-4, 2026, reflected this renewed emphasis on nuclear energy in the maritime sector: Posidonia Press Releases.

In March 2026, during the Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris, Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis announced the establishment of the special inter-ministerial committee on nuclear energy. The aim of this committee is to examine how nuclear energy – in particular Small Modular Reactors — can be integrated into the Greek energy mix after 2030-2035 through an initial feasibility study.  Following the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) “Milestones Approach” protocol for countries entering nuclear energy, the committee will recommend changes to the regulatory framework and explore strategic alliances with countries like the United States, which has already engaged in initial discussions with the Greek government. 

Greece’s current regulatory framework is harmonized with European Union standards (Euratom). The legislation is based on Law 4310/2014 as well as a series of Presidential Decrees that incorporate the European directives on the safety of nuclear facilities and spent fuel management.  The competent regulatory body in Greece that supervises nuclear safety, radiation protection and the control of environmental radioactivity is the Hellenic Atomic Energy Commission (EAEC). 

In Greece, the relevant players include the Ministry of Energy and the Environment, Ministry of Development, and scientific bodies like the Hellenic Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE) and the NCSR “Demokritos” that hosts the only research nuclear reactor in Greece, which has been shut down since 2004.  
The committee is expected to deliver the feasibility study in 2026-2027. If the recommendation is positive, Greece will move to the second phase, which includes technology and supplier selection.

For more information on market developments and opportunities in Greece, please contact Industry Specialist Teresa Gile.