Scholz dismisses talk of keeping nuclear energy option open in Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has firmly rejected the notion put forth by a junior coalition partner to maintain the possibility of utilizing decommissioned nuclear power plants in the country. He unequivocally stated that nuclear energy is no longer a viable option for Germany and referred to it as a “dead horse.”

The completion of the process to shut down Germany’s final three nuclear reactors in April marked a significant milestone, a decision widely supported in the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan back in 2011. Nevertheless, a reconsideration of this stance was suggested by some due to the surge in energy prices prompted by the conflict in Ukraine.

Among those advocating for a different approach were members of the Free Democrats, a pro-business political party that forms part of Chancellor Scholz’s ruling coalition. This week, the Free Democrats’ parliamentary group endorsed a policy statement indicating their desire to halt the dismantling of still-functional nuclear power plants. This, they argued, would enhance the nation’s preparedness for worst-case scenarios and ensure the ability to act effectively in any situation.

In response to this proposal, Scholz dismissed it during an interview with Deutschlandfunk radio, broadcast on Saturday. He asserted that nuclear energy is a thing of the past, declaring the issue closed for Germany. He emphasized the impracticality of constructing new nuclear power plants, highlighting the substantial time and financial investments required – a minimum of 15 years and an estimated 15 to 20 billion euros ($16.2-21.6 billion) each.

The chancellor reinforced the point that the cessation of nuclear power usage also marked the commencement of the decommissioning process. He refuted any notion of revisiting atomic energy and clarified that any such endeavor would entail constructing entirely new power stations. Scholz outlined his administration’s commitment to meeting the future energy demands of the largest economy in Europe by focusing on the expansion of renewable sources like wind and solar power.

This recent discourse on nuclear energy followed Scholz’s commitment on Wednesday to reduce the frequent public disagreements that have negatively impacted the coalition formed by his center-left Social Democrats, the environmentalist Greens, and the Free Democrats. This coalition, despite its ideological diversity, aims to restore cohesion and unity after facing challenges in various public opinion polls.

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More about Nuclear Energy Rejection

• Germany’s Nuclear Phase-Out
• Fukushima Nuclear Disaster
• Free Democrats Party
• Renewable Energy Expansion in Germany
• Chancellor Olaf Scholz