The German exit from nuclear energy continues to cause much debate. Proponents like to claim that it would make electricity cheaper. This statement is clearly contradicted by experts.
From the perspective of physicist Almut Kirchner, the renaissance of nuclear energy in Germany, which the Union, FDP and AfD have repeatedly called for, makes no sense. Both in Europe and worldwide, all ongoing construction projects for nuclear power plants are showing an immense delay and an increase in costs, said the expert. Currently, investing in new nuclear power plants is by far the “most expensive form of energy generation.”
Politically calling for the construction of new power plants is legitimate, “but you have to be honest that taxpayers have to bear it,” emphasized Kirchner, who heads the energy and climate protection policy area at Prognos AG. In this role, she regularly prepares studies about the energy supply of the future. The necessary investments could never be refinanced on the electricity market, she continued. Even in authoritarian states it is clear that building nuclear power plants is not economically feasible.
Since Germany’s exit from nuclear power last year, the CDU and CSU, as well as the FDP, which co-governs the federal government, and the right-wing populist AfD have been calling for a return to nuclear power. They argue that this could improve security of supply and reduce prices. At the same time, supporters emphasize that nuclear power is a suitable technology in terms of climate goals, as the emission of climate-damaging emissions – such as those generated by coal-fired power plants – is practically zero.
Source: Stern
