Meanwhile in Germany:

  • barsoap
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    1 year ago

    The decision to get out of nuclear was made over ten years ago.

    Nope, at least over 20, in 2000. Quick overview:

    • Starting approximately with the 68 movement anti-nuclear sentiment began to become common, also tied up with opposition to stationing of nuclear warheads, the general peace movement, etc. Every single new nuclear plant was protested heavily, as such
    • By the 90s, it was clear that no new plants would be built: It was political suicide.
    • That then was made law in 2000, alongside with giving all existing reactors expiry dates, based on age and security record
    • Then a Merkel came along and gave extensions to the remaining reactors. She didn’t touch the ban on new construction.
    • Then Fukushima happened and she took back that extension.
    • Then Ukraine happened and the three last remaining reactors got a 4 1/2 month extension to help tiding over the whole no gas from Russia situation: Originally (as planned in 2000) they should have shut down on the 31st of December last year, they actually shut down 15th of April this year. Some politicians wanted more but the operators themselves were opposed as they were already winding down the plants, would have to do another round of maintenance and inspections, procure more fuel etc. It was an “either at least five more years or forget it” type of attitude.