Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Denmark Considers Lifting 1985 Nuclear Ban
Denmark is thinking about using small nuclear reactors to make energy.
They have not used nuclear power since 1985 when they banned it.
Now, they want to see if these small reactors, called SMRs, can help them make more green energy.
Denmark mostly uses wind and solar power now.
The government is looking into how safe and expensive these reactors would be before making a final decision.
Denmark is considering lifting its 1985 nuclear ban to explore small modular reactors (SMRs) for energy production.
SMRs have a capacity of up to 300 MW per unit and are more affordable than traditional nuclear reactors.
The government is investigating regulatory processes, safety, waste handling, and costs before making a decision.
Wind power currently accounts for 58% of Denmark's electricity, followed by biofuels (18%), solar (11%), and waste/coal (5% each).
The Danish parliament agreed in early 2025 to examine new nuclear technologies as a potential energy source.
- Who
- Denmark's Climate, Energy and Utilities Minister Lars Aagaard
- What
- Considering lifting the 1985 nuclear ban and exploring small modular reactors (SMRs) for energy production
- When
- Investigation ongoing, political decision pending
- Where
- Denmark
- Why
- To diversify energy sources and meet future energy needs alongside wind and solar power
- Country
- Denmark
- Current Energy Sources
- Wind (58%), Biofuels (18%), Solar (11%), Waste (5%), Coal (5%)
- Proposed Technology
- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
- SMR Capacity
- Up to 300 MW per unit
- Decision Timeline
- Under investigation, political decision pending
- Nuclear Ban Year
- 1985
- Minister
- Lars Aagaard