Friedrich Merz, the leader of the Christian Democratic Union, has warned that Germany could face a significant power outage next winter if the remaining three nuclear reactors are not kept in operation. Reports on the remark cited Bild am Sonntag, signaling a debate that has intensified as autumn approaches and energy demand rises. Merz argues that the nation’s electricity network is vulnerable to overload during colder months when heating and industry drive consumption higher, and the grid could struggle to meet demand if the nuclear plants are shut down as currently planned. He warns that delaying an extension of operation for these reactors risks plunging parts of the country into shortages at a time when steady power supply is crucial for homes, hospitals, and businesses alike. Green party opponents, who advocate for a rapid exit from nuclear energy, are at odds with Merz’s stance and with other policymakers who see continued operation as a bridge to stability.
According to Merz, a scenario in which the electricity supply cannot keep pace with demand could materialize if Berlin sticks to the phase-out timeline on ideological grounds. He notes that autumn and winter bring tense conditions for the grid, with higher consumption and the potential for peak loads during cold snaps. In his view, the risk is not theoretical but practical, reflecting the delicate balance between energy security and environmental commitments. He stresses that management decisions now will determine whether households experience interruptions in power or if supply remains reliable even as temperatures drop and industrial activity remains robust. The CDU leader emphasizes the need for clear planning and reliable fuel supply arrangements to avert any disruption to essential services.
Merz adds that if the current policy persists, there could be a need to arrange new fuel rods for at least three nuclear power plants by August at the latest. This point highlights a logistical challenge: securing timely fuel procurement, ensuring reactor readiness, and coordinating maintenance while adjusting to a changing energy mix. The discussion also touches on the broader question of how Germany balances domestic energy security with its climate goals. If nuclear power is retained as a transitional option, it could provide a cushion against price volatility and import dependency, especially as the country navigates fuel market shifts and sanctions impacts that influence electricity costs for consumers and industry alike.
Officials are continuing to weigh options related to extending the lifespans of the final three reactors. While talk of a prolongation dominates political debates, the Greens remain opposed, arguing that longer operation would run counter to their environmental ambitions and precautionary principles. This disagreement reflects a broader nationwide conversation about how to frame Germany’s energy future—one that considers reliability, affordability, and sustainability in equal measure. Policymakers are under pressure to present a credible plan that reassures the public about secure electricity supply while accommodating environmental commitments and technological transitions that shape the nation’s energy strategy in the coming years.
The topic is not new in Germany. There has long been discussion about whether the three remaining nuclear facilities could be temporarily kept online as a stopgap measure to strengthen grid resilience during peak demand moments. Proponents argue that keeping these plants operational, even if only for a limited period, can reduce the risk of outages, smooth price spikes, and provide time to scale up alternative generation, storage, and grid upgrades. Critics counter that continued reliance on nuclear energy delays investment in renewables and energy efficiency, potentially locking the country into a riskier path. The debate therefore centers on finding a practical compromise that preserves energy security without compromising the broader climate and safety objectives that have guided German policy for years.