A coalition of right-wing (blå) parties in Denmark has launched a political initiative to repeal the country’s 40-year ban on nuclear energy, seizing on recent shifts in public opinion and political openness from government parties. The push follows comments from Venstre and the Moderates (Moderaterne) suggesting a willingness to revisit the controversial ban.
Venstre calls for cautious approach to lifting the ban
While Venstre signaled a change in stance, the party insists that any repeal must come through a deliberate and structured process. Climate spokesperson Christian Friis Bach told TV 2 News that Venstre would oppose a proposal calling for immediate repeal, but would support a roadmap exploring how to lift the ban.
“We have now changed our position, but there are things that must be clarified before we can make a decision,” he stated, urging the government to facilitate such a process.
Industry advocates nuclear to meet EU climate goals
Dansk Industri (DI), Denmark’s largest business organization, has also come out strongly in favor of ending the ban. Deputy Director Troels Ranis emphasized that nuclear energy is essential for achieving the EU’s 2040 climate targets, citing statements from both the European Commission and Danish EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen.
“We will not reach the EU’s climate goals for 2040 without nuclear energy,” Ranis said, adding that Denmark must ensure energy security and affordable electricity in the coming decades.
Dansk Industri recently joined the European nuclear industry alliance, signaling its intent to engage with emerging technologies, such as small modular reactors and molten salt reactors, as part of Denmark’s future energy mix.
Danish startups face barriers due to legal restrictions
The nuclear ban has created significant hurdles for Danish companies like Saltfoss, which is developing a reactor that uses molten salt instead of water for cooling. CEO Klaus Nyengaard noted that the ban prevents the development of a robust research ecosystem and makes it difficult to attract investors.
“We have no research environment, it’s hard to recruit, and it’s hard to raise capital. Companies like ours typically receive both indirect and direct state support, which we currently cannot access,” said Nyengaard.
He also warned that Danish startups are at a disadvantage compared to international competitors who benefit from state-backed support in the U.S., China, and other EU countries.
Nuclear power as a land use solution in rural areas
In rural municipalities like Ringkjøbing-Skjern, local politicians see nuclear energy as a way to reduce the land footprint of renewables. Birgitte Vinding, lead candidate for the Borgerlisten, told TV 2 News that residents are overwhelmed by the proliferation of solar panels and wind turbines.
“If we get nuclear power, we can avoid solar panels and windmills and use those areas for other things,” she said, pointing to potential uses such as the ‘Green Tripartite Agreement’ (Grøn Trepart) and agricultural development.
Critics argue Denmark should focus on renewables
Not all parties are convinced. Radikale Venstre, a centrist-liberal party, acknowledges the importance of nuclear globally but believes Denmark should double down on its strengths in solar and wind. Energy spokesperson Samira Nawa stressed that countries transitioning away from coal, like those in Southeast Asia, may need nuclear, but Denmark is already a leader in renewables.
“We are world champions in solar and wind, and I think that’s where the government should focus,” Nawa said, adding that the current legal framework does not obstruct Danish firms from contributing to global nuclear development, citing Seaborg and Copenhagen Atomics as examples.
Public and political attitudes are shifting
The growing political momentum suggests that the Danish nuclear debate is entering a new phase, shaped by climate urgency, energy security concerns, and technological advances. While immediate repeal remains unlikely, the groundwork is being laid for a broader national conversation about the role of nuclear energy in Denmark’s green transition.
As European partners advance their nuclear capacities, Denmark may soon have to decide whether to follow suit or risk falling behind in energy innovation.
