Germany goes nuclear free

By Louise Gray, Environment Correspondent

The fourth largest industrial nation in the world will be powered by renewables, putting massive pressure on infrastructure development in Europe’s biggest economy.

While other nations, including Britain and France, plan to build more nuclear reactors, Germany will have to scale up wind and solar power in order to keep the lights on and meet climate change targets.

The decision to reject nuclear came after the fall out from the Fukishima disaster and protests on the streets against nuclear.

Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, was forced to do a u-turn on nuclear, having previously said the technology was safe, in order to retain public and political support.

Despite the fact that Germany gets 23 per cent of its power from its 17 nuclear reactors, nine of which are currently running at full capacity, she claimed that wind and solar energy could meet the shortfall.

"This is more than consensus for a nuclear exit, this is consensus for a switch to renewable energy," she said.

"We want to remain an industrial nation and sustain growth. But we want to organise that growth so that we guarantee quality of life for coming generations as well.”

But industry is angry at her change of heart, claiming it could raise energy costs across Europe because of demand on gas and existing renewables.

In particular manufacturers, the source of Germany's wealth and status have warned the decision will increase energy costs and could lead to electricity shortages.

The UK Government has drawn up plans for five new nuclear plants with at least 10 new reactors over the next decade. The shift to nuclear is a key part of meeting Britain's pledge of cutting carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.

A study into safety measures following Fukishima concluded that plans are robust.

But like Germany, there is massive opposition and Chris Huhne, the Lib Dem Energy and Climate Change Secretary, is under pressure to also make Britain nuclear free. Telegraph