Germany Softens Stance on French Nuclear Power as Sustainable
Economy Minister Reiche acknowledges approval of French nuclear energy
The Federal Minister of Economics, Katherina Reiche (CDU), declared her optimism about resolving the age-old disagreement with France over the EU's classification of nuclear power as a green energy source. On the sidelines of an OECD meeting in Paris, Reiche stated that Germany acknowledges France's reliance on nuclear power and hopes this recognition will pave the way for agreeing on joint technological solutions.
Contrary to speculation, Reiche emphasized that this acknowledgment isn't about financing outdated systems. Instead, it's about acknowledging France and Germany's distinct approaches towards achieving a CO2-free energy supply. Reiche had advocated for a flexible approach to technology in Brussels, hinting at potential support for research on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) from the EU budget. However, her assertion was challenged by the Ministry of Environment.
In the past, Germany had rebuffed France’s demand to classify nuclear energy as sustainable in financing matters. The current coalition's aim was to prevent nuclear power from being treated like renewable energies. However, this stance faltered in the negotiations over the EU's electricity market reform, leading to Germany's outvote.
On the topic of the free trade agreement with the Mercosur countries, France rejecting it, Reiche remained less flexible. "We can't just reopen the 20-year-old file," she stated, despite numerous open issues regarding the French agricultural sector. Reiche also pressured for a swift resolution to the trade squabble with the USA, emphasizing the urgency for negotiating solutions to safeguard growth, prosperity, and access to opportunities that free trade offers.
Behind the Scenes
The German government has entered a new phase in its dialogue on nuclear energy. While some members promote a more liberal approach to nuclear technology, others hold firm against it being labeled as sustainable. This ongoing debate mirrors the broader political and societal split in Germany concerning nuclear power. As for Small Modular Reactors (SMR), whilst Germany has shown increased openness to nuclear power on the EU level, its domestic energy policy remains rooted in renewable sources like solar and wind power. This shift in EU policy may inadvertently bolster SMR development, as improving the overall viability of nuclear energy projects across Europe could make them more attractive, but direct German support for SMRs has yet to be explicitly confirmed.
[1] [ntv.de] Nuclear power being considered as sustainable energy source: German Minister of Economics[2] [AFP] Merz cabinet softens stance on nuclear power as sustainable[3] [Deutsche Welle] Germany's nuclear phase-out: The past, the present, and the future[4] [Die Zeit] Germany, France, and the nuclear energy dilemma: The complex truths behind the debate
- The German Minister of Economics, Katherina Reiche, has softened Germany's stance on considering nuclear power as a sustainable energy source, a change that could pave the way for joint technological solutions with France.
- Reiche's advocacy for a flexible approach to technology, including potential support for Small Modular Reactors (SMR) from the EU budget, could boost the development of this renewable-energy technology in the industry.
- Despite this shift, Germany's employment policy remains committed to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, as evident in its domestic energy policy.
- The renewable-energy debate in Germany's politics and society is heated, with some members advocating for a more liberal approach to nuclear technology and others holding firm against it being labeled as sustainable.
