During discussions among the three parties forming Germany’s government coalition, Chancellor Olaf Scholz faced a pivotal choice about the country’s nuclear power strategy. In a move that surprised some, he decided to keep the remaining three nuclear reactors online, extending their operation until April 15, 2023 at the latest. This step came after a weekend of negotiations in which coalition members struggled to reach a clear acuerdo on the country’s energy future. The Chancellor sent a directive to cabinet ministers, asking them to prepare legislative proposals to allow continued operation beyond the year end, at least through mid-April 2023.
Germany had been compelled to reconsider its energy mix in response to the intensified energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine. The interruption of Russian gas supplies led to sharp price spikes and heightened concerns about heating and electricity security throughout the winter. The national energy agency, the DPA, highlighted the urgency of stabilizing supplies as households and industry faced mounting costs and potential shortages.
One of the discussed remedies was the temporary use of the remaining nuclear power plants. Isar 2, Neckarwestheim 2, and Emsland had originally been slated for decommissioning by December 31, 2022 under a long‑term government plan. The reevaluation reflected a broader strategy to bridge the gap while the country continued to expand renewable capacity and search for alternative gas supplies.
The decision by Scholz followed late‑week talks among the coalition partners, which concluded without an immediate settlement. The federal press office in Berlin later released a memorandum from the Chancellor to the cabinet ministers, directing them to craft legislation that would permit nuclear plants to stay online through the 2023 deadline in order to avert any abrupt disruptions in energy supply.
Support within the Liberal faction of the Free Democrats greeted the decision with approval, while the Greens initially voiced cautious responses. The Social Democratic Party of Germany urged an ambitious framework to guarantee energy security and efficiency as part of a broader reform package. The discussions also touched on the government’s interest in creating conditions for new gas-fired plants that could operate with hydrogen, signaling a potential long‑term shift toward climate‑neutral power generation.
Scholz’s stance opened a path through the stalemate that had characterized debates over nuclear energy, enabling a temporary reserve option during a period of heightened energy stress while policies for a steady transition toward cleaner sources continued to develop. The broader context included balancing public safety, economic resilience, and environmental goals as Germany navigated a volatile energy landscape.