dw.com
Germany's Nuclear Energy Reconsideration
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi suggests it would be rational for Germany to reconsider nuclear energy despite its 2023 phaseout, citing its low greenhouse gas emissions and Germany's unique position as the only country to have completely abandoned nuclear power.
Indonesian
Germany
PoliticsGermany Energy SecurityClimateEnergy CrisisNuclear Power
IaeaCduBundestagDpa
Rafael GrossiAngela Merkel
- Why does the IAEA chief believe Germany should reconsider nuclear energy?
- IAEA chief Rafael Grossi believes it is rational for Germany to reconsider nuclear energy, despite the country's phaseout completion in 2023. He notes Germany's unique position as the only nation to have fully abandoned nuclear power and highlights the near-zero greenhouse gas emissions from nuclear plants.
- What are the historical reasons behind Germany's decision to phase out nuclear power?
- Germany's anti-nuclear movement, fueled by incidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima, led to the phase-out decision. Former Chancellor Angela Merkel initiated the process, which initially reduced Germany's reliance on nuclear energy to 13.3% of its supply.
- What does the IAEA chief suggest Germany should do before restarting nuclear power plants?
- Grossi emphasizes the need for Germany to conduct a thorough assessment of how its nuclear plants could be revived before any such steps are taken. He respects German politics but finds the complete abandonment of nuclear power illogical given the climate change context.
- How did Germany's energy policy contribute to its energy crisis after the 2022 Ukrainian invasion?
- The shift away from nuclear power coupled with reliance on cheap Russian gas created an energy crisis after the 2022 Ukrainian invasion and subsequent sanctions. This dependence and reliance upon an unstable foreign supplier left Germany highly vulnerable and exposed.
- What are the potential economic and environmental benefits of Germany maintaining or resuming nuclear energy?
- A 2024 article in the International Journal of Sustainable Energy suggests that Germany could have saved hundreds of billions of euros and reduced carbon emissions by up to 70% by embracing nuclear energy instead of rejecting it.