A year after the nuclear phase-out, German Economic Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) defended the decision to close the last reactors. All the horror scenarios painted on the wall didn’t come true, he said. Electricity prices have even fallen.
Experts previously reported that the nuclear phase-out would have no effect on the electricity market (see video above). “Today we see that the electricity supply remains secure, that electricity prices have fallen even after the nuclear phase-out and that CO₂ emissions are also falling,” Habeck now says. Of course, the situation in Ukraine was tense after the outbreak of war, but energy supplies were stabilized and dependency was reduced.
The Economy Minister said the reforms would have an impact in the field of electricity. “The expansion of renewable energy sources is really accelerating, we are simplifying and accelerating approval procedures, and prices on the power exchanges have fallen sharply. By 40 percent since the nuclear phase-out a year ago.” At the same time, coal-fired power stations were running less than they had in decades.
Nuclear energy imported from France
However, the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) continued to complain about high electricity prices. Compared to 2019, prices on the fair are still twice as high. In addition, there are taxes, user fees and levies, making the costs sometimes four times higher than in other countries.
The nuclear phase-out in neighboring Austria was decided in 2011 and implemented in 2023. According to Habeck, two percent of gross electricity consumption was imported last year, about a quarter of which was nuclear energy from France.
According to Habeck, regions with renewable energy have location advantages. Moreover, the final storage problem in Germany remains unresolved, he said. “If some people still want to return to nuclear energy, it should be noted that nuclear energy is not internationally competitive and the costs of current projects are exploding.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
