• Question: Germany is phasing out all of its nuclear reactors by 2022. Is this a wise move?

    Asked by eigenvector to Arttu, Ceri, James_M, Monica, Philip on 13 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: James M Monk

      James M Monk answered on 13 Jun 2011:

      The German announcement on nuclear reactors is politically expedient, but perhaps not terribly far sighted. I would prefer they had announced a program of reactor research to design and build safer reactors and replace the old reactors rather than extend the life of existing ones before phasing them out. Surely it is the worst of all options to refuse to allow the construction of newer designs, but then extend the life of the old reactors in order to meet the energy needs.

      In the end they may end up buying electricity from France, which uses nuclear power anyway.

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