In a conversation with Deutschlandfunk, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz outlined the government’s energy strategy, emphasizing a decisive shift toward renewable power and away from nuclear energy. He stated that Germany has closed the door on nuclear power and will not rely on it going forward.
Scholz highlighted that building a new nuclear power plant would require about 15 years and would cost roughly 15 to 20 billion dollars. He underscored that the country’s current policy prioritizes expanding renewable sources rather than investing in nuclear capacity.
According to Scholz, the government intends to broaden the use of sun, wind, and water as primary energy sources, aligning with a long-term transition to sustainable electricity generation.
Earlier reports from Bild had claimed that Germany had decided to completely abandon nuclear energy and had already shuttered the last three reactors. The publication noted that some closures were postponed due to the energy crisis, with Isar-2 in Bavaria being the last to suspend operations.
Public opinion around the time of the decision showed notable division. A survey conducted in April indicated that a slight majority of respondents opposed finalizing the closure of the remaining nuclear plants, with 52 percent expressing opposition and 37 percent in favor. About 11 percent chose not to answer.
Former Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder suggested extending the operational life of five German nuclear reactors as a measure to navigate the country’s energy challenges amid the transition to renewable energy sources.
The ongoing national conversation about Germany’s energy mix reflects a broader European debate on how to balance reliability, affordability, and climate goals while reducing dependence on nuclear power.
Scholz reiterated that the focus remains on accelerating investments in solar and wind infrastructure, improving grid capacity, and ensuring a secure and affordable energy supply for households and industries alike.
Analysts note that the policy shift aligns Germany with other European nations pursuing aggressive decarbonization, though the pace and implications of the nuclear phase-out continue to vary among member states and depend on technological and market developments.
Ultimately, the government aims to solidify a robust renewables-led system that can withstand supply fluctuations, backed by new storage solutions and cross-border cooperation within the European energy market.