CDU urges temporary continued operation of nuclear power plants

The CDU in Baden-Württemberg is urging the nuclear power plants in Germany to run for a little longer because of the impending energy shortage in winter.

In principle, the decision to phase out nuclear energy is being adhered to, according to a position paper by the CDU state executive on energy policy, which is available to the German Press Agency.

"In view of the impending emergency situation, however, existing capacities that can be safely generated must not be dispensed with in this crisis."

Stuttgart - It is wrong to switch off the three remaining German reactors - including Neckarwestheim II in the Heilbronn district - at the end of the year in this situation.

The south-west CDU accused the traffic light federal government on Monday of not having examined a longer term with an open mind as promised - despite the foreseeable consequences of the Ukranian war on Russian energy supplies.

"A decision must now be made about temporary continued operation beyond the end of the year," the paper says.

The Union recalled that the kiln in Neckarwestheim produces a sixth of the electricity in Baden-Württemberg.

This cannot be avoided in winter, when the federal government believes that there is a risk of an energy emergency.

At the weekend, the Ministry of the Environment said that the nuclear power plant could theoretically remain connected to the grid longer than planned and continue to run into the coming year.

A spokesman said: "The fuel rods could last until February, with 50 percent less power." But this is purely hypothetical.

Environment Minister Thekla Walker (Greens) has stated several times that she does not consider it necessary to extend the term.

dpa