In reaction to the current nuclear crisis in Japan, Germany has vowed to abolish all nuclear power. Announced today, Chancellor Angela Merkel declared that all nuclear power will be completely phased out by 2022. With the safety and welfare of our planet in mind, Germany began the transition, in hopes that other industrial powers will follow suit.
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Over the course of the next decade, the remaining nuclear reactors in Germany will be decommissioned. Germany currently holds 17, but seven were been removed from the grid three months ago for inspection after the Fukushima emergency, and one in Northern Germany has been closed for years due to dysfunctionality.
Currently, Germany derives 22 percent of their energy from nuclear power plants. The shut down will force authorities to allocate alternative sources- either natural gas, renewable energy or coal-fired plants. Merkel stated that an emphasis on renewable resources will be researched. The government assures no power loss or black outs will occur, and energy will remain affordable, locally sourced and efficient, with environmental protection.
The disaster in Fukushima has caused Merkel to completely overturn a 2010 decision to extend Germany’s reactors contracts for another 12 years, into the 2030s. Merkel’s previous nuclear support caused controversy and debate, even costing her state elections.
Although Germany is the first country to officially phase out nuclear power, opposition from both sides are still going strong. Environmentalists are pushing for faster phase out date, while economists are claiming the phase out will cause Germany to fall from its top tier in the world economy.
Via Yahoo News
Images © TillWe and Wikimedia Commons
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