Turning in energy policy: Germany's return to nuclear power?

Turning in energy policy: Germany's return to nuclear power?

Germany faces a profound change in energy policy. Although the final exit from nuclear power was only decided two years ago, current surveys show that 55% of Germans advocate a return to nuclear energy. 32% in favor of re-operated nuclear power plants and the construction of new mini-KWs. These developments run in parallel to the interest of US companies in the takeover of German nuclear power plants, such as krone.at.

In a recent meeting of politicians and representatives of the nuclear lobby in the Berlin Hotel de Rome, the participants discussed opportunities to reactivate nuclear power plants. Nuclear engineer Mark Nelson emphasizes that there is no cheaper type of electricity generation than with already copied nuclear power plants. Nelson also criticizes the time of the nuclear phase -out and combines it with the emergence of artificial intelligence, which further fuels the discussion about energy generation.

reactivation of nuclear power plants

A study by the Radiant Energy Group Thinktank from the USA has shown that nine nuclear power plants in Germany can be reactivated with reasonable effort. The analysis is based on interviews with insiders and the technical condition of 14 plants. Already in a period of one to four years, the Brokdorf, Emsland and Grohnd facilities could deliver electricity again, while six other plants could be ready for operation within six to eight years. These findings show that a return to nuclear energy is within reach.

• Brokdorf, Emsland and Grohnde: Re-commissioning within 1-4 years
• Gundremmingen B and C, Isar 2, Krümmel, Neckarwestheim 2, Philippsburg 2: Re-commissioning within 6-8 years

The costs for recovery are also important. According to the study, the costs for Brokdorf and Emsland could be up to 1 billion euros, while other investments would cost up to 3 billion euros. In comparison, new construction costs for nuclear power plants would be at least 7 billion euros. Economically, these reactivations are given at a acceptance price of 60 euros per megawatt hour (MWh), which entails the potential for annual income of around 10 billion euros at a price of 100 euros per MWh.

public opinion on nuclear power

The support for nuclear power in Germany is stable. Another survey shows that 67% of the respondents support the use of nuclear energy, and 42% in favor of building new facilities. In comparison, only 23% are for a complete exit from nuclear energy. These shifts of opinion are remarkable because they demonstrate a similar support as in Great Britain and Canada.

Since April 16, 2023, all German nuclear power plants have been switched off, which, according to kernd.de, leads to a not inconsiderable change in the German electricity mix. In 2022, the proportion of nuclear energy in total gross electricity generation was only 6.0 percent, which represents a significant decline compared to 11.8 percent in 2021. Nevertheless, the nuclear energy remains the most important electricity generation technology in the EU.

Conclusion: The change of course that German energy policy may strive could have far -reaching effects on energy supply in the country in the coming years. The discussions on the reactivation of disabled nuclear power plants and the growing public interest in nuclear energy show that the dialogue about Germany's energy future is only at the beginning.