“We have repeatedly made it clear that we believe the inclusion of nuclear energy in the taxonomy is wrong.” That said Federal Economics and Climate Protection Minister Robert Habeck now that the EU Commission has published the final version of the taxonomy. The federal government will now advise how to deal with the decision by the EU Commission. In a reaction to the taxonomy proposal, she does not go into the subject of natural gas any further.
The final version of the classification of investments in energy technology published by the EU Commission today also provides for nuclear power and natural gas to be classified as sustainable under certain conditions. After consultations with experts, EU member states and the EU Parliament, it has adjusted technical screening criteria as well as disclosure and verification requirements compared to the taxonomy proposal presented on New Year’s Eve.
The federal government had already made it clear in January that, from its point of view, Germany should reject the supplementary delegated legal act if it were to remain unchanged in essential points. “We don’t see the changes we need,” said Habeck. Nuclear energy is risky and expensive; new reactor concepts such as mini-reactors would also entail similar problems and cannot be classified as sustainable.
“Taxonomy is badly damaged”
“Like a number of other EU member states, the Federal Government clearly rejects the inclusion of nuclear energy in the taxonomy,” added Federal Environment and Consumer Protection Minister Steffi Lemke. Apart from the risks and the costs, the planning and construction processes took far too long for nuclear power to contribute to the goal of climate neutrality. “To describe nuclear power as sustainable contradicts the understanding of sustainability among consumers in Germany and in other European member states,” said Lemke. The taxonomy as a whole will be badly damaged and could jeopardize climate goals.
The German government criticizes that the EU Commission has rejected the criticism voiced by the member states and the Platform for Sustainable Finance. Every billion that additionally flows into nuclear power as a result of this commission decision is missing for renewable energies. “Therefore, we will also work to ensure that the standard for European green bonds, which is currently being negotiated at EU level, excludes nuclear power,” writes the government.
The EU Parliament and member states in the EU Council now have four months to examine the taxonomy. You can apply for an extension of two months. The EU Council can raise objections with 72 percent, i.e. with at least 20 member states. In the EU Parliament, a simple majority is sufficient for objections.
(app)