Challenges and opportunities: dismantling nuclear power plants in Germany
Germany decided to abandon nuclear power after the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, while the US chooses to restore closed nuclear power plants to meet its energy needs.
After the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in 2011, Germany decided to completely withdraw from nuclear energy. According to this decision, all nuclear power plants were to be phased out by the end of 2022. This policy, aimed at reducing nuclear risks and transitioning to renewable energy sources, has caused many controversies and challenges.
However, in a situation where the demand for electricity continues to grow, especially from European data centers (DTCs, Ed.), ensuring a stable supply of electricity becomes an increasingly urgent issue. According to forecasts, the demand for electricity from data centers may increase threefold in the coming years. This creates significant pressure on the energy infrastructure, and the construction of new nuclear power plants becomes a difficult task for European countries.
The US is showing a different approach to nuclear energy. Some companies, such as NextEra Energy, are proving the feasibility of restarting closed nuclear plants. For example, the 600 MW Duane Arnold plant in Iowa was shut down in 2020 due to hurricane damage. However, NextEra Energy is now considering restoring it. The move could set an important example for other countries, demonstrating that even damaged and decommissioned nuclear power plants can be restarted.
At the same time, the situation with the dismantling of nuclear power plants in Germany shows that the transition to renewable energy requires serious efforts and investments. In this context, the US experience can be useful for European countries that are facing the challenges of ensuring a stable supply of electricity.
The issue of nuclear energy remains relevant and complex. Different countries are choosing different paths to solve their energy challenges: Germany is following the path of dismantling nuclear power plants, while the US is considering restarting closed plants. In any case, ensuring a stable and ecologically clean supply of electricity requires innovative approaches and international cooperation.
Author: Yuriy Atanov, specially for "Ukrainian Energy"
