Germany to keep two nuclear plants available as a backup and burn coal as it faces an energy crisis brought on by war and climate change

An aerial view shows Isar nuclear power plant, which includes the Isar 2 reactor, on August 14, 2022 in Essenbach, Germany. Isar 2 is one of the last three still operating nuclear power plants in Germany and all three were scheduled to shut down by the end of this year. However, due to the disruption in energy imports from Russia, politicians and other actors are debating extending the operational life of the plants. Some are advocating an extension until the middle of 2023, while others are pushing for longer. Approximately 80% of people polled among the general public support some kind of extension.

German lawmakers said on Monday that they are going to burn coal and keep two nuclear power plants open as a last resort.

Robert Habeck, the federal economics and climate protection minister, said in a written statement that war and climate crises have a very concrete effect.

The German government announced its plans to keep the Isar 2 and Neckarwestheim nuclear power plants, both of which are located in the southern part of the country, on a kind of backup status, available only if the country has no other options.

The second network stress test was focused on the winter season in which people and businesses need to heat their homes.

In a written statement, the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection said that crisis situations in the electricity system are not likely this winter.

The war in Ukraine has affected Germany's ability to manage its energy supplies. The main route for supplying natural gas to Europe will not be re-opened due to a need for maintenance work, according to Russia's major energy giant.

Energy sources have been disrupted due to the squeeze on natural gas supplies and summer heat waves.

Due to the tight gas situation and the reduced water levels in rivers and lakes, it's difficult for us to transport coal to the power plants that we have to use.

Neckarwestheim nuclear power plant. In view of the war in Ukraine and impending gas shortages, German lawmakers are keeping two nuclear power reactors, including Neckarwestheim nuclear power plant, on call through April 2023.

Europe's energy needs are not being met by Germany. The New York Times reported that half of France's nuclear power plants have been taken offline.

The reasons for Germany's decision are related to its membership in the EU. We are an electricity exporting country but we are also part of a European system.

Germany has a hard time building new transmission lines and ramping up renewable energy.

Germany will not change its goal of shutting down all nuclear power in the country even as it gives itself the option to use the two southern plants. California is trying to keep its last operating nuclear power reactor online, and the announcement is a stop-gap.

Nuclear power remains a high-risk technology and the highly radioactive waste will burden tens of generations to come.

Nuclear energy is safer than burning fossil fuels because of the nature of the technology. Nuclear energy has a lower death rate than brown coal, coal and oil.