In May 2025, the Danish parliament approved a formal investigation into the potential use of nuclear power to enhance energy security. This study has now begun and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026. It is analysing the feasibility, safety, and waste management requirements of modern nuclear technologies.
Denmark’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Supply said the framework for investigating the potentials and risks of new nuclear technologies and lifting the 40-year ban on nuclear power is now in place. The analysis now underway will look at what is needed in terms of new regulation and competences in order to establish small modular reactor (SMR) nuclear plants in Denmark.
In December 2025, a coalition of Danish business organisations, universities, and companies, including the Confederation of Danish Industry and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, launched the Nuclear Power Alliance, which advocates a technology-neutral approach to energy and seeks to repeal the 1985 ban. In addition, recent polling shows a shift in public sentiment, with approximately 55% of Danes now viewing nuclear power favourably.
According to the Ministry, “Green power from sun and wind must continue to be the cornerstone of Danish energy supply. Although the government does not consider conventional nuclear power relevant in Denmark, there has been an increasing interest in new nuclear technologies in recent years such as small modular reactors in Denmark and in the EU.” The analysis must therefore identify the possible role of serial-produced SMR technology in the Danish energy system, requirements for regulation and authorities, as well as the potential for Danish business.
“I approach nuclear power with an open mind,” said Minister of Climate, Energy and Supply Lars Aagaard. To debate the abolition of a ban without deciding what comes next will just send a signal without substance. There may be great potential in SMRs down the road, so it should not be about ideology, but about doing things thoroughly and in the right order.”
The Ministry noted that technological advances, increased need for stable electricity supply and the desire for competitive energy prices have put small modular reactors (SMR) on the agenda – both as a possible part of a fossil-free energy system and as an area of growing business interest. It added that the analysis should also be viewed in the light of the geopolitical and security situation in which critical energy infrastructure is needed, strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and ensure robust supply chains for raw materials and technologies.
“Green energy from sun and wind is now and will also be the backbone of the Danish energy supply in the future, but we can also see that it cannot stand alone,” said Aagaard. “Therefore, we must be open to whether other technologies can give us green energy in the future. Here, small modular nuclear reactors can be an option. However, series-produced SMR is neither a snap solution nor a free deal, and we must have a basis for strengthening the government processes, security, waste, skills and responsibilities. With this analysis, we get a solid foundation to make political decisions.”
The questions the analysis will consider are: what knowledge is needed before Denmark’s ban on nuclear power can be lifted; whether SMRs can be included in the Danish energy mix; what technologies are suitable; how security will be affected; how to manage radioactive waste; what new skills will be needed; what will be the cost; and how long will it take to get the framework in place? Relevant experts and stakeholders will be involved in the work.
