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Economics Minister Robert Habeck in Berlin: "And now let's see whether this year is so extreme that a new scenario should be opened for it"
Photo: Kay Nietfeld / dpa
Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) does not rule out the continued operation of the remaining nuclear power plants in Germany beyond the end of the year under certain conditions.
The so-called stress test could result in a “special scenario”, said Habeck on the “RTL Aktuell” program.
»The relevant question that needs to be asked is whether the stability of the power grid needs to be secured through further measures this year.«
In order to ensure sufficient reverse voltage in the grid, a certain power plant capacity is necessary.
"And now we're looking at whether this year is so extreme that a new scenario should be opened for it," said Habeck.
He cited the many currently shut down nuclear power plants in France and the possible lack of rainwater in the mountains to generate electricity as examples.
The nuclear power plants should actually be off the grid in December
In contrast, the possibilities for saving gas from nuclear power plants are "very, very small," stressed Habeck.
The savings potential, which he estimated at around 0.5 to 0.7 percent, is disproportionate to the risks of nuclear power and the social debate that would be triggered by continued operation.
According to current nuclear law, the three remaining nuclear power plants in Germany must be taken off the grid by the end of December at the latest.
An initial stress test by the Federal Ministry of Economics for electricity supply in the spring showed that Germany's security of supply was guaranteed even under difficult conditions.
A second test is currently underway, the result of which is expected in the next few weeks.
The SPD and the Greens are skeptical about extending the lifetime of the nuclear power plant.
Your coalition partner FDP, on the other hand, suggested letting the reactors run until 2024.
According to a report by »Welt«, the federal office of the Greens gave recommendations for communication in the nuclear power debate in an internal email.
In general, the line is therefore: "We reject an extension of the service life, i.e. the procurement of new fuel rods."
ani/AFP