The phase-out of nuclear energy scheduled for the end of this year in Germany could be postponed. Olaf Scholz felt on Wednesday August 3 that he could “to be relevant” to extend the operating life of the last three nuclear power plants in operation in Germany, partly deprived of Russian gas and which fears an energy crisis.
These plants “are only used for the production of electricity and only for a small part of it”but “it may still be relevant”said the German Chancellor.
The scarcity of Russian gas deliveries to Germany has brought back to the agenda the question of keeping the last power stations in operation longer than planned, to deal with the gas crisis. Berlin must decide in the coming weeks on a possible extension of these plants based on new expertise in progress.
Once the results of this “stress test” known “We will then draw our conclusions”said the Chancellor visiting Mülheim an der Ruhr (west) on the site of the industrialist Siemens Energy, where a gas turbine repaired and intended to equip a Russian gas pipeline to Europe is waiting to be transported to Russia .
The government coalition divided
The three nuclear power plants still in operation – in Bavaria, Lower Saxony and Baden-Württemberg – currently account for 6% of net electricity production in Germany. The question of their extension divides the government coalition, the Greens being skeptical, the Social Democratic Party of Olaf Scholz so far reserved, and the liberals of the FDP favorable. It is also claimed by the conservative union CDU-CSU in opposition.
Mr. Scholz justified the current reflections on a nuclear extension by the fact that the development of renewable energies, supposed to replace nuclear energy and coal, is slower than expected. He is “very different from region to region in Germany”he said. “This is especially true in Bavaria, which has made slow progress with the expansion of wind energy”he launched, in a spade at the address of this region historically led by conservatives and a large consumer of energy.
“We will support all regions of Germany as best we can” for the energy supply of “all citizens in Germany and of all companies”assured Mr. Scholz.