ON APR 15, 2023, Germany shut down its last three nuclear power plants. This move not only makes energy supply safer by ending a high-risk technology, it keeps Germany on course for an environmentally compatible, cost-effective and secure energy system that will also reduce the need for imports of fossil fuels from third countries.

This last step of nuclear phase-out is the logical continuation of a political effort stretching over decades, which led to a steady decrease of nuclear energy in the German energy mix. Within the last 20 years, the share of nuclear energy in electricity has fallen from a good 22 per cent to just under 5 per cent in 2023.

Recent demand analysis has shown that security of supply is ensured in the coming winter even with the last three nuclear power plants deactivated. The electricity grid can be operated safely, and there will be no load shortfall.