German Energy Giant Reopens Debate on Nuclear Phase-out Plan

German energy giant EnBW presented a rather unwelcome Christmas gift to the government end of last week when it sought to transfer part of the life span of one of its more modern nuclear reactors to an older one which was due to shut down in 2009 under a six-year-old phase-out plan.

EnBW’s request provoked strong reactions over Christmas, including a stern rebuff from environment minister Sigmar Gabriel. But the Social Democrat minister’s word may not have been the last on the issue as conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel is a staunch advocate of nuclear energy and now hopes for political tailwind from the European Commission.

Deutsche Welle