German nuclear operators dismiss possible phase-out delay

Eon and EnBW decline postponing the planned phase-out of nuclear reactors in 2022 even though German vice chancellor refuses to rule out, for ideological reasons, that the question might prove relevant in light of the war in Ukraine.
Photo: LENNART PREISS/AFP / AFP
Photo: LENNART PREISS/AFP / AFP

Germany's three remaining nuclear reactors are planned for decommissioning by the end of 2022. However, due to the war in Ukraine, the German federal government is exploring all options to ensure the nation's power supply, writes media outlet Euractiv.

Asked whether Germany would consider rolling back the impending shutdown of its last remaining nuclear power plants, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck responded with the following on national television on Sunday:

"It's also part of my ministry's examination duties to answer this question."

"The question is a relevant one. I would not dismiss it ideologically," added Habeck.

However, he highlighted that an initial examination has shown that such a decision wouldn't help Germany next winter.

At the same time, all three nuclear operators in Germany, Eon, EnBW and RWE, all denied any interest in reviving their reactors.

"Continued operation of our Isar 2 nuclear power plant beyond the statutory end date in 2022 isn't on the agenda for us. It will stay that way," says a spokesperson for German daily Rheinische Post.

Germany is closing half of its reactors at worst possible time

France turns net importer after EDF shuts down reactors 

Share article

Sign up for our newsletter

Stay ahead of development by receiving our newsletter on the latest sector knowledge.

Newsletter terms

Front page now

On June 1, Senvion's former CFO Manav Sharma started as US country manager for Nordex. Soon he will have a new factory at his disposal. | Foto: Senvion

Nordex restarts production in the US

For subscribers

Further reading