Germany Shuts Down Its Last Three Nuclear Power Plants

On Sunday night, Germany disconnected the last three nuclear power plants from its energy grid. BBC reports that Berlin is taking this step while other Western countries, including France, are increasing investments in nuclear energy with hopes of reducing harmful atmospheric emissions, lowering electricity costs, and decreasing dependence on Russian energy resources.

The decision to close all nuclear power plants in Germany was made immediately after the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, which was severely affected by an earthquake and tsunami. The idea of shutting down nuclear plants received support in Germany, which has a strong anti-nuclear lobby.

However, the deadline for a complete phasing out of nuclear energy was postponed from the end of 2022 to April 2023 due to the sharp reduction of Russian gas supplies following the military invasion of Ukraine and the sanctions imposed on the Kremlin.

Authorities in the country insist that the energy situation is fully under control, and the power plants will be dismantled over time, with no plans for conservation in anticipation of a possible return to operation. They remind that Germany's gas storage facilities are maximally filled, and all necessary infrastructure has been created to receive liquefied natural gas, which will replace Russian supplies.