Environment

Europe is still quietly importing Russian nuclear energy

Published

3 years ago

October 14, 2022

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Russia is a dominant player in the global nuclear market.

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Russia’s nuclear fuel industry remains conspicuously untouched by European sanctions more than seven months into the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine — much to the dismay of Kyiv officials and environmental campaigners.

Despite eight rounds of sanctions, targeted measures against energy exports and calls from Ukraine to impose a full embargo on nuclear trade, shipments of nuclear fuel to EU member states continue to make their way from Russia.

Ariadna Rodrigo, EU sustainable finance manager at environmental group Greenpeace, told CNBC via telephone that it is “absolute madness” for the bloc to continue bankrolling the Kremlin by ignoring Russia’s nuclear fuel trade.

“If EU governments are serious about stopping war, they need to cut the European nuclear industry’s umbilical cord to the Kremlin and focus instead on accelerating energy savings and renewables,” Rodrigo said.

On presenting its latest sanctions package, the European Commission did not propose targeting the trade of Russian nuclear fuel. The EU’s executive arm has previously targeted Russian oil, gas and coal as part of a broader strategy to ratchet up the economic pressure on the Kremlin.

Hungary and Bulgaria were the most vocal in opposing sanctions on Russian uranium and other nuclear tech last week, according to Rodrigo.

The fact that we are not discussing this properly just shows the double standards of the EU.

Ariadna Rodrigo

EU sustainable finance manager at Greenpeace

The commission has repeatedly condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine, accusing President Vladimir Putin of using energy as a weapon to drive up commodity prices and sow uncertainty across the 27-nation bloc. Moscow denies weaponizing energy supplies.

The few EU prohibitions on Russia’s nuclear energy sector that are in place, such as a port access ban on Russian-flagged vessels for the transport of nuclear fuel, contain numerous loopholes and campaigners argue much tougher measures are needed to reduce the bloc’s dependency on Russian nuclear services.

That sentiment is echoed by Kyiv.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in early August that he had spoken with European Council President Charles Michel about the need for the EU to impose sanctions on the Russian nuclear industry.

“Russian nuclear terror requires a stronger response from the international community – sanctions on the Russian nuclear industry and nuclear fuel,” Zelenskyy said via Twitter at the time.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L to R) face the press during their meeting in mid-September in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Future Publishing | Future Publishing | Getty Images

More recently, a top economic advisor to Zelenskky doubled down on this message, saying it was “extremely important to impose sanctions, not only on Russian oil.”

“Oil, gas, uranium and coal, all this should be banned. Because they are using this money in order to finance this war,” Oleg Ustenko said in late September, according to The Associated Press.

The Russian Foreign Ministry and the Russian Embassy in London did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment.

Russia’s energy influence goes beyond oil and gas

In April, a European Parliament resolution called for an “immediate” embargo on Russian imports of nuclear fuel and urged member states to stop working with Russia’s state-run nuclear giant Rosatom on existing and new projects.

But Russia is a dominant player in the global nuclear fuel market and any move to break the EU’s reliance on its services would likely be far from pain-free, particularly with Rosatom at the heart of Europe’s dependency.

Backed by Putin, Rosatom not only dominates the civilian industry but is also in charge of Russia’s nuclear weapons arsenal and is currently overseeing the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station in Ukraine.

The European Commission has repeatedly condemned Russia’s war in Ukraine, accusing President Vladimir Putin of using energy as a weapon to drive up commodity prices and sow uncertainty across the 27-nation bloc.

Mikhail Metzel | Afp | Getty Images

There are 18 Russian nuclear reactors in Europe, in countries including Finland, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic. All of these reactors rely on Rosatom for the supply of nuclear fuel and other services.

Underlining the scale of Russia’s nuclear energy influence in some member states, even as the Kremlin’s onslaught in Ukraine continues, Hungary in late August announced the construction of two new nuclear reactors by Rosatom.

Moscow accounted for almost one-fifth (19.7%) of the EU’s uranium imports last year, according to the latest available data from the Euratom Supply Agency. Only Niger (24.3%) and former Soviet republic Kazakhstan (23%) were bigger suppliers of uranium to the bloc.

Opponents of nuclear power march through the German town of Lingen in Lower Saxony holding placards with inscriptions such as “Your profit – our risk”, “Exit instead of entry”, “No business with Rosatom.”

Picture Alliance | Picture Alliance | Getty Images

The EU paid around 210 million euros ($203.7 million) to import raw uranium from Russia last year, according to estimates reported by Investigate Europe, and another 245 million euros was paid to import uranium from Kazakhstan, where mining of the nuclear fuel is controlled by Rosatom.

“We are talking about a serious amount of money here,” Greenpeace’s Rodrigo told CNBC, noting that these estimates only accounted for uranium imports and the EU’s dependency covers services across the supply chain.

Asked to what extent Europe’s uranium imports from Russia undermines its efforts to encourage others to stop importing Russian energy, Rodrigo replied: “The fact that we are not discussing this properly just shows the double standards of the EU.”

A spokesperson for the commission did not comment when contacted by CNBC.

How ‘green’ is nuclear energy?

Advocates of nuclear power argue it has the potential to play a major role in helping countries generate electricity while slashing carbon emissions and reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.

However, critics argue that nuclear power is an expensive and harmful distraction to faster, cheaper and cleaner alternatives. Instead, environmental campaign groups argue technologies such as wind and solar should be prioritized in the planned shift to renewable energy sources.

As part of the EU’s taxonomy — a mechanism that defines which investment options can be considered “green” — the bloc controversially recognized nuclear power and gas, a fossil fuel, as sustainable under some circumstances.

Austria on Monday launched a lawsuit against the EU and is seeking help from allies over the bloc’s labeling of nuclear power and gas as sustainable investment options, calling it “irresponsible and unreasonable.”

The EU has acknowledged the legal action but said it would not comment on the substance of the case.

Environment

China-made panels drive Africa’s 15 GW solar import milestone

Published

4 hours ago

August 25, 2025

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China-made panels drive Africa’s 15 GW solar import milestone

Solar is taking off across Africa in a big way. According to a new analysis of China’s solar panel exports data from energy think tank Ember, solar panel imports into the continent jumped 60% in the 12 months through June 2025, setting a record that could reshape electricity systems in many countries.

In that period, Africa imported 15,032 megawatts (MW) of solar panels, up from 9,379 MW the year before. While South Africa has dominated past surges, this wave is happening across the map: 20 countries set new import records, and 25 countries each brought in at least 100 MW, compared to just 15 a year earlier.

Nigeria overtook Egypt to become the second-largest importer with 1,721 MW, while Algeria surged into third with 1,199 MW. Growth rates in some countries were staggering: Algeria’s imports jumped 33-fold, Zambia’s eightfold, Botswana’s sevenfold, and Sudan’s sixfold. Liberia, the DRC, Benin, Angola, and Ethiopia all more than tripled their imports.

Still, import numbers don’t tell the whole story. It’s unclear how many of these panels have been installed yet. Muhammad Mustafa Amjad of Renewables First, an energy transition think tank in Pakistan, pointed out that countries risk losing valuable time and opportunities without proper tracking. “Africa’s transition will happen regardless,” he said, “but with timely data it can be more equitable, planned, and inclusive.”

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If these panels do get installed, the impact could be massive. In Sierra Leone, the past year’s imports alone could cover 61% of the country’s 2023 electricity generation. For Chad, it’s 49%. Liberia, Somalia, Eritrea, Togo, and Benin could all boost generation by more than 10% compared to 2023, and 16 countries could see increases of over 5%.

The economic case is also strong. In Nigeria, solar savings from replacing diesel could repay panel costs in just six months, or even less in other countries. In fact, in nine of Africa’s top 10 solar panel importers, the value of imported refined petroleum outweighed solar imports by factors of between 30 to 107.

Ember’s chief analyst, Dave Jones, called the surge “a pivotal moment,” urging more research and reporting to keep pace with the rapid rise to “ensure the world’s cheapest electricity source fulfills its vast potential to transform the African continent.”

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Environment

Hyundai and Kia are growing fast in the US, and EVs are leading the way

Published

6 hours ago

August 25, 2025

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Hyundai and Kia are growing fast in the US, and EVs are leading the way

Hyundai and Kia vehicles are popping up on US roads more than ever, and a lot of it has to do with EVs. The South Korean auto giants just hit another milestone as they gear up to introduce several new models.

Hyundai and Kia bet on EVs, hybrids for growth in the US

After launching their first hybrid vehicles in the US in 2011, the Sonata and K5, Hyundai and Kia have come a long way.

Today, two out of ten Hyundai or Kia models sold in the US are considered “eco-friendly,” including electric (EV), hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fuel cell electric (FCEV) vehicles.

After 14 years, Hyundai and Kia announced on Monday that combined, they have now sold over 1.5 million eco-friendly cars in the US. In a statement, the company said it continues seeing strong demand for several models, including the Tucson Hybrid, IONIQ 5, and Niro Hybrid.

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Although 14 years is a relatively long time, in the first few years, they only offered a few models. It took 11 years to reach the 500,000 mark in 2022, and in just three years, they’ve since tripled it.

Since reaching 100,000 in annual sales in 2021, brand sales of eco-friendly cars have grown rapidly. Hyundai and Kia sold 182,627 units in 2022, 278,122 units in 2023, and 364,441 units in 2024. This year, they sold over 221,500 in the first six months, up 20% from the same period in 2024.

Hybrids accounted for over 1.1 million, followed by electric vehicles with nearly 375,000, and FCEVs at just over 1,850 units sold.

The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Kia Niro Hybrid are the brand’s top-selling eco-friendly cars in the US. Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid and IONIQ 5 ranked second and fourth. Meanwhile, the Kia Sportage Hybrid and Sorento Hybrid placed third and fifth.

Hyundai and Kia offer 19 eco-friendly vehicles in the US, including eight hybrid and PHEVs, 10 EVs, and just one FCEV.

Both brands sold more vehicles in the US in the first half of the year than ever. With Hyundai now building vehicles at its new EV plant in Georgia, including the 2025 IONIQ 5 and 2026 IONIQ 9, the automaker expects the growth to continue. Kia assembles the EV6 and EV9 at a separate plant in Georgia, and will introduce the EV4, its first electric sedan, in early 2026.

Based on the advanced E-GMP platform, Hyundai and Kia’s electric vehicles offer some of the longest driving ranges, fastest charging speeds, and remain surprisingly affordable.

With leases starting as low as $159 per month, the 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is one of the most affordable EV lease deals in the US. Even the three-row IONIQ 9 is listed with monthly leases as low as $299. That’s pretty cheap for a nearly $60,000 three-row electric SUV.

Hyundai will continue to offer hybrids in response to the changing policies under the Trump Administration. It also plans to add hybrid production in Georgia, starting next year.

Looking to check one out for yourself? We can help you find vehicles in your area. You can use our links below to view Hyundai and Kia models near you.

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Environment

Save big on heat pumps and solar before Washington pulls the plug

Published

7 hours ago

August 25, 2025

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Save big on heat pumps and solar before Washington pulls the plug

Three years after the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) became law, Rewiring America is rolling out a new effort to make sure homeowners don’t miss out on major savings.

The Save on Better Appliances campaign is designed to help families take advantage of federal energy tax credits before they expire at the end of 2025, while also showing how modern electric appliances can cut long-term energy costs.

With utility bills climbing, the group is highlighting the benefits of heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, rooftop solar, and other upgrades that can keep homes comfortable while protecting against future price spikes. For many households, energy-efficient appliances are one of the few ways to bring bills under control – and that value remains even after federal incentives are gone.

Right now, homeowners can still access the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) and Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D). On top of that, thousands of state, local, and utility-level incentives are available to help offset upfront costs.

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Ari Matusiak, CEO of Rewiring America, pointed out that the IRA incentives were never meant to last forever:

Congress’s decision to repeal them prematurely means households should act fast. But the savings, comfort, and long-term value of these upgrades remain. For homeowners ready to act, we have the tools to help. And for those who need more time, we’re working to expand your options and ensure that these upgrades make financial sense whenever the moment is right.

What the campaign offers

The Save on Better Appliances campaign runs through October and includes:

A central hub where homeowners can learn about the expiring credits, check out state, local, and utility incentives, and connect with vetted contractors.
Weekly Zoom drop-in sessions with Certified Electric Coaches, starting September 3, to answer questions about home upgrades.
Contractor tools, including Rewiring America’s Contractor Finder, soon to be integrated with the BetterHVAC directory for more trusted installer options.
A new Single-Project Personal Electrification Planner to help homeowners map out common projects like heat pumps, energy audits, and electrical upgrades.

“I’ve been doing HVAC installations for the past 40 years, and I can tell you that I’ve seen firsthand how the 25C tax credit has made heat pumps, the most efficient HVAC technology, more affordable and accessible for homeowners,” said Scotty Libby, owner of Maine-based Royal River Heat Pumps. “Homeowners should talk to their local contractors now if they want to upgrade their HVAC, take advantage of the tax credit, and lock in the potential long-term energy savings a heat pump would provide.”

Beyond tax credits

Rewiring America is also working with manufacturers, contractors, and lenders to make upgrades more affordable, even without federal help. In Rhode Island and Colorado, families can already access specially priced heat pump packages, with more states on the way. These deals will expand in 2026 and beyond, lowering upfront costs no matter what happens in Washington.

Across the country, state agencies, utilities, and local nonprofits are already leading creative programs to help families save money, find trusted contractors, and begin electrifying their homes. Rewiring America says this campaign is about amplifying that work and making it easier for households to take the first step.

“Tax credits may expire, but the benefits of better HVAC – lower bills, healthier homes, and lasting comfort – are here to stay. That’s why we’re supporting Rewiring America’s campaign,” said Bill Spohn, Sr., president of the Better HVAC Alliance.

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