German Breakfast

(a couple of weeks ago)

Nuclear power plant in the US

This morning I got out of bed late, too late. I decide to skip the first lecture, to enable me to still have some breakfast. Unlike other mornings, I turn on the TV. To my surprise, I tune into a live debate in the Bundestag (German parliament), which is at that very moment discussing the ‘Energiekonzept’: a comprehensive vision for the German energy system until 2050. This plan, devised under a centre-right wing German government, would be mouth-watering to many Dutch proponents of an energy transition. However, in Germany, the plan has spurred tremendous debate because it proposes a turnaround in policy regarding its nuclear power plants. In 2002, the red-green government decided that Germany would stop its nuclear power production; over a time span of 20 years, all nuclear power plants should be closed down. With the Energiekonzept however, the current government agreed that the nuclear power plants will stay online for an average of 12 years longer. The four energy companies that run the nuclear power plants will make estimated profits of between 60 and 120 billion euro by this decision. The government argues that nuclear power is going to pay for the energy transition by imposing a tax on enriched uranium that is used to produce power. These tax revenues of approx. E2,3 billion yearly will mainly be invested in research for renewable energies.  During the emotionally heated debate, the Green party accused the government of nuclear lobby politics. They argue that a continuation of nuclear power will prove an effective blocking strategy for a growing amount of renewable energy. Nuclear power output is not flexible; therefore, it is not compatible with (the highly variable output that is characteristic of) renewable energies.         

This fierce debate overshadows the other goals agreed upon within the Energiekonzept, which as stated before, I could only dream for a right-wing government in the Netherlands to implement. The goals are binding and include: 80% of electricity from renewables in 2050, 50% of primary energy supply is renewable in that year, CO2-emissions are cut back with 80-95% and energy efficiency improves with 2% each year. In order to meet these goals, a comprehensive set of measures is agreed upon, including funding for renovation of buildings and support for the first offshore wind parks amounting to E5 billion.

While our government discusses building new nuclear power plants, Germany demonstrates that despite agreeing upon a longer life for its nuclear power plants, it is way ahead of us.

All in all, this breakfast was well worth skipping class, not neglecting the fact that I am very lucky to be studying in the country that is the global forerunner in the energy transition. I’ll come back when the Netherlands is ready for it.