The extension of the nuclear power plant operation in Germany is heavily discussed due to the energy crisis. Ukraine also has a clear position on this.
Berlin – The Ukrainian government is now also becoming active in the debate about shutting down the last three nuclear power plants in Germany. She appeals to the Greens to let the last three nuclear power plants continue to run beyond the end of the year. “This winter is a key one,” said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s closest adviser, Mykhailo Podoljak, in an interview with the Tagesspiegel . In view of the throttling of Russian gas supplies, it does not make sense to shut down the three plants in December.
Ukraine appeals to Greens over nuclear power: “Turn away from dependence on Russia”
Selenskyj advisor Podoljak emphasized that everything must be used to “create a new energy map in Europe as quickly as possible”. Otherwise, the West would continue to “finance” Russia’s war. This is also a question of leadership. “We are paying a high price, many people are dying. We hope that our partners will see and understand this award and do everything possible on their part,” said Podoljak. “It’s also a question of freedom, turning away from dependence on Russia and still having a stable energy supply in winter.”
A stress test is currently being carried out under the leadership of Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) to determine whether the nuclear power plants Isar 2, Neckarwestheim 2 and Emsland are still needed. It should be clarified to what extent the energy supply is secured for Germany in the coming autumn and winter. In Kyiv, there are fears that solidarity with Ukraine could tip over in the event of an energy crisis, and they are therefore calling for all available resources to be exhausted.
Nuclear power extension in Germany: the status in politics
Due to the tense situation on the energy markets, the CDU and CSU are calling for the planned nuclear power plant shutdown to be postponed on December 31, 2022. The Union is in favor of so-called stretched operation, i.e. continued operation with existing fuel rods or new fuel rods for as long as possible and an extension of the service life until 2024
The traffic light coalition is arguing about nuclear power. Critics of the continued operation of the nuclear power plants claim that the power plants recently only covered six percent of Germany’s electricity requirements. In addition, an extension of the lifetime would result in additional nuclear waste. In addition, the power plants were not checked for safety problems as thoroughly as usual because of the decision to phase out in recent years.
The supportive Union predicts icy winter months if the remaining nuclear power plants are shut down: “Putin is shutting off Germany’s gas and the Greens are turning off nuclear power for us. That almost provokes the blackout in winter,” said CSU regional group leader Alexander Dobrindt to the Bild newspaper. CDU leader Friedrich Merz is therefore appealing to the Greens “to jump over their shadow” and thus save gas in power generation. “Do it for Germany,” wrote Merz in an article for the Bild newspaper. (aa/afp)
