<img alt="Germany: Nuclear Nostalgia from the Christian Democracy” data-credit=”” data-displaysize=”” data-imageratio=”NaN” data-watermark=”” itemprop=”url” src=”https://static.dw.com/image/66617902_302.jpg?watermark=magnify”/>
It was one of the “significant decisions” during Angela Merkel’s 16-year tenure. In March 2011, due to the terrible accident at the Fukushima nuclear power station in Japan, the Chancellor decided to end nuclear power in Germany. A decision that has since been implemented, although it has been the target of criticism from time to time, especially during the energy crisis, when the flow of free natural gas from Russia stopped.
How times change
There is every indication that the former chancellor’s party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), is now planning to bring the issue of nuclear power back into its campaign platform as essential to Germany’s energy mix.
The relevant text issued at a recent party conference entitled ”A New Energy Agenda for Germany” typically states: “We intend to proceed with a technical assessment as quickly as possible as to whether, given the degree respectively dismantling, restarting the possibility of operating the recently closed nuclear plants with a reasonable technical and financial effort”.
At the moment, there is no talk of building new production units, but of the possibility of reopening some of those that have been closed. The Christian Democrats criticized the Solz government’s decision in 2023 to “pull the switch” on the last three factories in the country, at a time when society and industry were suffering from the consequences of the energy crisis, and despite the chancellor’s previous approval this is an extension of a few months over the original plan. These factories are currently being dismantled and opinions are divided as to the potential cost of reopening them.
Who will tell the Greens?
However, this approach is unlikely to cause problems for the Christian Democrats in their eventual search for post-election partners. For example, the Greens, who imagine themselves as a possible ally, especially if the Liberals do not participate in the next Parliament, would have a big problem with their electoral “clientele” if they consent to the new “reversal from the recession” of Merkel.
The issue seems to be on the agenda of the pre-election period, given the country’s need for cheap energy and the recent EU decisions to include nuclear energy on the “clean” list, following the demands of those countries . as France, show what it is like and the climate in Europe. This is also shown by the attitude of the candidate for Chancellor of the Christian Democratic Union, Friedrich Mertz, who used to say that the matter was closed, but recently he has clearly changed his rhetoric.
The gullible consumers
But times are changing and political parties are looking for solutions to an economy that is essentially in a long recession due to rising energy costs. Germany was also criticized by its “allies” as naive for allowing itself to depend on cheap Russian fossil fuels. Can we expect a change of course, in the spirit of the “Zeitenwende”, like that of the current outgoing government on military spending in 2022 from a new government with a
Among the other proposals being discussed in the relevant CDU position text is the question of “research and development of fourth and fifth generation nuclear power plants. These must be more efficient and safer than their predecessors. A study should be also make them and so-called “small modular reactors”, which are not yet operational.
Ambitious plans in the EU
Reference is also made to the EU’s ambitious plans in the field of so-called nuclear fusion. ”The first grid-connected fusion reactor in the world should be in Germany,” is the grandiose goal. In order to accelerate its development, the federal government would therefore have to subsidize two such fusion reactors with competing technologies.” This all seems a bit far-fetched at the moment. Let’s hope to hear directly from the parties how they can rely on cheap, clean and reliable energy for their daily lives. German wave
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Energy Policy Expert Dr. Anna Müller
Time.news Editor (E): Good afternoon, Dr. Müller. Thank you for joining us today. Given the recent shifts in the political landscape regarding nuclear energy in Germany, particularly with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) revisiting the topic, what do you think is prompting this change?
Dr. Anna Müller (M): Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The change largely stems from the increasing urgency for energy security and affordability. Since the energy crisis highlighted our dependence on Russian fossil fuels, the CDU seems to be recalibrating its stance, realizing that nuclear energy could play a crucial role in balancing Germany’s energy mix, particularly in light of the European Union’s recognition of nuclear as a “clean” energy source.
E: Indeed, the CDU’s recent conference declared intentions to evaluate the possibility of restarting closed nuclear plants. How feasible do you consider this move, both technically and financially?
M: Restarting closed plants poses significant challenges. The technical assessments will determine the condition of the facilities and the extent of dismantlement. Financially, it could be quite burdensome, especially in a constrained budget environment. However, Germany has invested heavily in renewable energies, and there could be an argument made for allocating resources to nuclear as a stabilizing force in this transition phase.
E: What do you say to those who strictly oppose any nuclear revival, fearing the safety aspects that have haunted the industry, especially following incidents like Fukushima?
M: It’s a valid concern. Public sentiment against nuclear energy often stems from past accidents and the perceived risks associated with it. However, advancements in nuclear technology—such as fourth and fifth generation reactors—promise higher safety standards and efficiency. The discussion surrounding these newer technologies might help alleviate some of the public’s fears while contributing to a more balanced energy strategy.
E: With the Greens potentially becoming electoral partners, how do you see this affecting the CDU’s nuclear proposition?
M: It will certainly complicate matters. The Greens have positioned themselves strongly against nuclear energy due to safety and environmental concerns. If the CDU proposes a reversal on nuclear energy, it puts the Greens in a precarious position with their voter base. The challenge will be for both parties to negotiate a pathway that addresses energy security without alienating their constituents.
E: Shifting gears a bit, the article mentions ambitious plans in the EU regarding nuclear fusion. Do you think Germany could realistically lead in this area?
M: That’s an ambitious goal, indeed! Achieving a grid-connected fusion reactor is still in the realm of research and development, and many technological challenges remain. While leading in nuclear fusion would be a historic achievement, it requires extensive investment and collaboration at the European level. The prospect is exciting but may take years, if not decades, to materialize.
E: as we wrap up, what does all of this mean for the German public and consumers who rely on stable energy prices, especially in this period of high energy costs?
M: For the German public, the key takeaway is understanding that energy policy is now more than ever intertwined with economic stability and environmental responsibility. If the CDU pushes through with nuclear energy as part of its agenda, it could mean more stable energy prices in the long run, but it also requires a commitment to rigorous safety standards and public dialogue to rebuild trust. Ultimately, the conversations surrounding energy policy need to be transparent and inclusive to address public concerns effectively.
E: Thank you for your insightful analysis, Dr. Müller. It’ll be interesting to see how these developments unfold in the near future.
M: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this pivotal moment in Germany’s energy landscape evolves.
