Germany has completely shut down its nuclear power plants. In the past, nuclear power only accounted for 4% of electricity consumption - and that was without the additional requirements of a real energy transition. Nevertheless, nuclear energy is presented by some as a possible solution for climate neutrality. But can nuclear power really manage the energy transition? An honest look shows that the challenges are enormous and the alternatives are clear.
The Challenges of Climate Change and Fossil Fuels
Our climate is already in crisis. With a temperature rise of over 1.5°C, we are at a critical threshold. The continued use of gas, coal and oil is significantly exacerbating climate change and accelerating the negative impacts on the environment and society. Therefore, rapid action is essential to avert the worst consequences.
The requirements for a climate-neutral power supply
To meet the energy demand in a climate-neutral Germany, we need more than 1,200 TWh per year. If we wanted to cover this demand with nuclear power, around 185 new nuclear power plants would be required - and this for several reasons: Nuclear power plants do not run at full capacity all the time, they need maintenance, and reserve capacity is essential to ensure a stable supply. However, the construction of nuclear power plants on this scale is neither feasible nor affordable within the next ten to twenty years.
An immense need for cooling water and finite resources
The construction and operation of 185 nuclear power plants would require approximately 7.4 billion cubic meters of cooling water per year. This places an enormous strain on water resources and poses potential ecological risks. In addition, nuclear power plants require large quantities of uranium-235, a finite resource, and generate highly radioactive waste that must be safely stored for many generations.
The Costly Reality of Nuclear Power
Nuclear power is also anything but cheap. Compared to electricity from wind and solar energy, it is two to three times more expensive. While renewable energies are mainly financed through private investment and develop innovative business models, nuclear power remains a cumbersome and expensive model of the past. Renewable energies also promote decentralized energy supply, which reduces the need for grid expansion and thus lowers ancillary costs.
Energy suppliers and rising profits
A look at the current situation shows that the market for energy suppliers is booming. In 2024, I purchased my 100% green electricity on the electricity exchange for an average of 28 cents per kilowatt hour (the average in the European Union is around 28.9 cents in 2024), with the pure electricity price without ancillary costs being 8 cents. Our energy suppliers and network service providers recorded the highest profits in their history during the so-called energy crisis. One example of this is EnBW, which experienced a significant profit development between 2021 and 2023: from a consolidated result of 363.2 million euros in 2021, profit rose to 1.738 billion euros in 2022 and was 1.538 billion euros in 2023.
The way forward: Close cooperation instead of propaganda
Instead of investing in political and media propaganda, we should tackle the energy transition as a community task. The solutions are already in front of us: storage technologies, flexible systems and a clever mix of renewable energies can ensure climate neutrality - without the burdens and risks of nuclear power.
My recommendation for you:
Start your own energy project! First, check your consumption and reduce it wherever possible. Reduce your dependency by producing as much electrical energy as possible yourself and cover your remaining needs by purchasing it directly on the electricity exchange. Store this energy to bridge short periods of darkness and switch to e-mobility. With these measures, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save a lot of money at the same time. There are certainly better ways to use your money than to spend it senselessly.