While some argue that nuclear power generation is necessary, others argue that the form of energy should be steadily moved away from. Nuclear power is a source of contention, especially in such countries as the United States, while others, particularly European countries, rely on the energy readily. However, slowly governments in Europe are trying to convert to more environmentally friendly energy options, options which do not include nuclear.
One country where the majority of people agree that nuclear energy should end is Germany. This is why the previous government in Germany announced the end of nuclear generation entirely by 2021. This was the year that all nuclear power plants in the country would end production. However, a recent announcement by the new government is causing some concern in the country.
Chancellor Angela Merkel recently announced that the expected end of nuclear generation in the country will not come in 2021. Instead, nuclear power generation will continue for an additional fourteen years. According to Chancellor Merkel, renewable energy is not and will not be at the necessary levels in order to end the use of nuclear energy by 2021.
Instead of production ending in 2021, now older nuclear power plants will be used for an additional eight years. The newer models of nuclear power plants will continue power generation for fourteen more years. Therefore, the new expected end to nuclear use in Germany is 2035.
In addition to extending the use of their nuclear power plants, Germany has also requested that energy companies in the country pay a nuclear fuel tax. This tax would be expected to earn the country $3 billion each year. This money would then go towards the further development of renewable energy in the country. The changes to the nuclear end date and the nuclear fuel tax have yet to be agreed upon in the German parliament.
