Germany may end anti-nuclear policy

BERLIN, GERMANY - The continuing disruption of Russian oil supplies to Europe has prompted Germany's Chancellor, Angela Merkel, to openly question her country's commitment to stop using nuclear power by the early 2020s.

In a recent television interview, Mrs Merkel said the stoppages served as a warning about becoming too dependent on single energy sources. Russia supplies Germany with 20 per cent of its oil. "We have to save energy, we have to develop sources of renewable energy," she said. "And of course we have to consider what consequences there will be if we shut down nuclear power stations."

It was the first time the conservative Chancellor has questioned Germany's pledge to phase out the country's 17 nuclear power plants since she became head of a coalition government of conservative Christian Democrats and Social Democrats in 2005.

The anti-nuclear policy was agreed by former chancellor Gerhard Schroder's coalition of Social Democrats and Greens in 2000 and has been a key element in Germany's drive to develop alternative energy sources. The policy has been dismissed by the nuclear lobby and conservatives as "pure ideology".

Social Democrats tried recently to quash any notion that Germany plans to end its anti-nuclear stance. Ulrich Kleiber, the SPD deputy parliamentary leader, said: "Somebody who uses oil supply bottlenecks as an argument in favour of nuclear energy isn't capable of grasping the issue."

Related News

powerlines

Ontario Energy Board Sets New Electricity Rate Plan Prices and Support Program Thresholds

TORONTO - Residential, small business and farm customers can choose their price plan, either Time-Of-Use (TOU), Tiered or Ultra-Low-Overnight (ULO) prices. The OEB has an online bill calculator to help customers who are considering a switch in price plans. 

The Government of Ontario announced on Friday, October 19, 2023, that it is raising the income eligibility thresholds that enable Ontarians to qualify for the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) by up to 35 percent. OESP is part of Ontario’s energy affordability framework meant to reduce the cost of electricity for low-income households by applying a monthly credit directly on to electricity…

READ MORE
wind power jobs

Leading Offshore Wind Conference to Launch National Job Fair

READ MORE

should-california-fund-biofuels-or-electric-vehicles

Should California Fund Biofuels or Electric Vehicles?

READ MORE

central asian power shortage

Why Is Central Asia Suffering From Severe Electricity Shortages?

READ MORE

nigeria-electricity-crisis

Nigeria's Electricity Crisis

READ MORE