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Moderated by Professor Athanasios Platias of the University of Piraeus, the discussion revisited Greece's past flirtation with nuclear technology. Ariel Levite, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, described a pattern of initial interest waning into limited application despite potential domestic resources. George Nounesis, Director at NCSR "Demokritos," recalled Greece nearing a nuclear tech milestone decades ago, only for the crucial political commitment to never materialize, leaving a legacy of unfulfilled potential.
Advocates for reconsideration point to a changed global landscape. Levite noted that modern nuclear reactors can be constructed faster and more economically. Furthermore, applications beyond traditional power generation, such as nuclear propulsion for Greece's vital shipping sector—highlighted by Christos Housiadas, President of the Greek Atomic Energy Commission (EEAE), as having "significant momentum"—desalination, and data center power supply, present new theoretical possibilities. Dionysis Chionis, Co-founder of Athlos Energy, argued nuclear power offers an economical, modular path to energy independence, complementing Greece's renewable investments, presenting it as a "second chance."
However, stark warnings and significant risks dominated much of the discussion. Levite stressed the technology's origins in weapons development and underscored the absolute necessity of unwavering state support and stringent regulation to avert catastrophic accidents like Chornobyl and Fukushima. As multiple speakers acknowledged, the daunting reality is Greece's profound lack of critical infrastructure, a specialized workforce, and an established regulatory framework capable of safely managing nuclear technology. Supply chain fragility and the high likelihood of strong community opposition represent further serious impediments.
Nounesis openly questioned whether Greece is prepared for such a complex and high-stakes technology, emphasizing the immense challenge of convincing a potentially skeptical public. Housiadas pointed to the regulatory paradox surrounding small modular reactors (SMRs): while innovative, the readiness to adopt stringent safety rules is lacking. Chionis, while advocating for a feasibility study and proposing a 15-year timeline for a potential first plant if pursued, implicitly highlighted the long and complex road ahead.
Ultimately, the discussions at Delphi painted a picture not just of opportunity but of significant peril. While proponents envision energy security, the path is fraught with dangers inherent to nuclear power, amplified by Greece's current unpreparedness. The lack of infrastructure, personnel, robust safety regulations, and uncertain public acceptance form a formidable barrier. Embarking on a nuclear program without meticulously addressing these deep-seated challenges and securing unwavering, long-term political and societal commitment could transform a potential dream into a genuinely dangerous reality for Greece. The risks, encompassing safety, security, waste management, and public trust, demand sober assessment before any irreversible steps are taken.