The three nuclear facilities have 4.3GW of combined energy generation capacity. Credit: Lukáš Lehotský / Unsplash.

The German government has decided to expand the lifespan of three of Germany’s nuclear power plants until as late as 15 April next year, Reuters has reported.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz is understood to have told the economy, environment and finance ministries to create a legal framework that can keep the three nuclear power plants operational.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

With a combined capacity of 4.3GW, the three facilities account for 6% of Germany’s total electricity production.

The country previously planned to end all its nuclear power production by the end of this year, ruling out extending the lifespan of its nuclear plans.

Despite this, Russia’s decision to limit energy supplies has forced the government to keep two of its nuclear plants on standby.

The decision to extend their life span was made after a lengthy debate within the ruling coalition government.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

This is said to have delayed the implementation of a draft law allowing two plants to be put on reserve beyond their planned phase-out.

The nuclear facilities Isar II and Neckarwestheim II are part of the draft law, but Finance Minister Christian Lindner emphasised the need to keep Emsland, the third nuclear power plant operational.

Among those supporting the government’s decision are RWE and E.ON, which operate the Emsland and Isar II nuclear power plants respectively.

EnBW said it would require more clarity and a legal framework to be put in place to continue the operations of its Neckarwestheim II plant, which is scheduled to close by the end of this year.

Chancellor Scholz is said to have requested the ministries to prepare ‘ambitious’ legislation to increase the country’s energy efficiency, as well as put an agreement to phase out coal by 2030 into law.

Economy Minister Robert Habeck has supported this move, saying such a legal framework could be created immediately.