Washington, May 31, 2011

The German government has announced that only ten years from now the last nuclear power plants are to be closed down. Germany aims to enter the age of renewables as quickly as possible. With this, the German government plans to implement the Energy Strategy it adopted in late 2010 more swiftly and more rigorously than originally intended. Speaking in Berlin, Chancellor Angela Merkel and three of her ministers presented in detail the steps that will be involved. No provision has been made for a way back.

Angela Merkel, Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen, Federal Transport Minister Peter Ramsauer and Federal Economics Minister Philipp Rösler presented the details of the government’s resolution on Monday.

"Germany can become an international pioneer, the first nation to manage to move away from traditional energy sources to renewables," the Chancellor declared, summing up the objectives of the strategy. To this end the German government has developed a strategy that will lead the country toward an independent, reliable, economical and environmentally sound energy supply.

A key part of the updated energy strategy is the date that has now been set for the end to the use of nuclear power. Step by step the German government intends to shut down all nuclear power stations in the country by 2022.

The resolution is absolutely clear. There is no loophole that would allow power stations to operate beyond this cut-off date in order to deliver agreed electricity quotas.

Those nuclear power plants that have already been shut down within the framework of the moratorium, including the Krümmel plant, will not be restarted. Only the three newest power plants Neckarwestheim 2, Isar 2 and Lingen will be permitted to operate until 2022.

But, safety considerations will be absolutely paramount when it comes to deciding whether a power plant may operate up to the cut-off point, said the Chancellor. The German government will conduct an annual planning control and will check whether or not targets have been achieved.

To ensure that power supplies are not jeopardised, the Federal Network Agency will provide all necessary information.

In their report on the impacts of the moratorium on nuclear power plants, the agency’s specialists pointed out that there could be energy shortfalls in Southern Germany in winter.

Should their fears prove justified, the nuclear power stations that have already been closed down are to be a so-called cold reserve.

"This does not mean we are opening up a back door," underscored the Chancellor. The reserve is only to be available for a maximum of two years. The Federal Network Agency has been mandated to identify other solutions to potential shortfalls in winter. "It is our responsibility to ensure that Germany does not suffer any blackouts," said the Chancellor.

Parallel to the gradual departure from nuclear power, the percentage of energy generated from renewables is to rise consistently. The target is to raise the percentage from 17 percent today to 35 percent in 2020. For this to be achieved the new energies must be reliable and marketable.

"We need an entirely new architecture for our energy system and energy supply for the electricity of the future," underlined the Chancellor. Ensuring this is another elemental part of the resolution of the government.

The government has already finalised a bill to reform the Renewable Energies Law. The legislative procedure can now take its course.

Source: Karl-Matthias Klause, German Embassy Washignton D.C.