Germany’s debate on nuclear power reignites with the Christian Democrats advocating for a comeback due to rising energy costs and reliance on Russian gas. The CDU’s campaign focuses on researching small modular reactors while facing challenges from skepticism regarding their safety and viability. The upcoming election may significantly shape the country’s energy policy moving forward.
Germany’s nuclear debate has resurfaced just two years after the country decommissioned its last reactor. The conservative Christian Democrats are advocating for a return to nuclear power due to rising energy costs and Germany’s vulnerability unveiled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The CDU plans to make nuclear energy a central theme in the upcoming election on February 23, with calls for research into next-generation technologies such as small modular reactors (SMRs).
Jens Spahn, deputy parliamentary leader of the CDU, emphasized the need to explore nuclear options, stating that energy demand will only increase in a digital world. Friedrich Merz, the CDU leader, has also mentioned the possibility of collaborating with France on SMR development. Support for nuclear energy is evident among other parties, including the Free Democrats and the far-right Alternative for Germany, the latter advocating a complete reversal of Germany’s nuclear exit.
Despite these discussions, nuclear supporters face opposition, particularly from Germany’s nuclear safety agency, which points out that SMRs have yet to be tested adequately. Rafael Laguna de la Vera from the government-backed innovation agency Sprind insists that Germany must engage with nuclear power as part of the ongoing industrial revolution, citing the potential of SMRs to meet future energy needs efficiently.
However, skepticism remains about the viability and cost-effectiveness of SMRs, as extensive questions linger regarding their safety and efficiency in construction. The ongoing nuclear debate unveils the contradictions within Germany’s energy policy, especially as the European Commission views nuclear power as crucial for the EU’s energy transition, while nations like the U.S. and China invest heavily in SMR technologies.
Laguna pointed out that relying solely on renewable sources, which accounted for 62 percent of Germany’s electricity generation last year, will not sufficiently address the country’s future energy demands in a climate-neutral way. He believes a mixed approach that includes nuclear power is essential to meet the impending energy needs.
The push for the revival of nuclear energy in Germany stems from the 2011 decision to phase out nuclear power following the Fukushima disaster. This transition was initially met with broad public support. However, the ongoing energy crisis exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, particularly following the invasion of Ukraine, has led to a critical reassessment of Germany’s energy sources. Rising energy prices have challenged German industries, prompting a renewed interest in considering nuclear energy as part of the country’s energy portfolio.
In conclusion, the imminent election in Germany is expected to highlight the debate surrounding the potential comeback of nuclear energy, led primarily by conservative parties such as the CDU. While supporters advocate for the exploration and development of small modular reactors to address future energy challenges, significant skepticism remains regarding the safety and feasibility of such technology. The contrasting views on nuclear energy continue to shape Germany’s energy landscape amidst rising costs and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
