‘Special scenario’: Habek does not rule out continued operation of nuclear power plants – stress testing is critical

In the case of a “special scenario”
HABC does not rule out operating more nuclear power plants

07/27/2022, 10:50 AM

Germany is in an energy crisis – and according to Economy Minister Habeck, if worst is worse, it can operate nuclear power plants after the end of the year. The Green Party says another stress test is now critical, and points to the shutdown of nuclear power plants in France.

Federal Economy Minister Robert Habeck is leaving the ongoing work of nuclear power plants after the end of the year open. In “RTL Aktuell” Habeck talked about the fact that the regenerative voltage test of the reactor could lead to a “special scenario”. “A related question to ask is whether the stability of the power grid should be secured through further measures this year.”

Habek said in order to ensure sufficient reverse voltage in the network, you need the capacity of a certain power plant. “And now we are looking at whether this year is so extreme that a new scenario has to be opened for it again.” The Green Minister cited several nuclear power plants currently suspended in France as examples. We generally talk about grid stability when the power feeding into the grid is as high as the current demand.

In contrast, the potential to provide gas from nuclear power plants is “very, very small,” according to Habek. One can assume about 0.5 to 0.7 per cent. The European Union has just decided to save 15 per cent. “Well, that’s another dimension entirely.” The potential savings are not commensurate with the risks and social controversy that nuclear power will unleash.

Renewable energy has the largest share

In light of low Russian gas supplies and a frightening winter shortage, politicians have discussed the possibility that German nuclear power plants will continue to operate for weeks. There are currently three nuclear power plants still connected to the grid: Emsland in Lower Saxony, Isar 2 in Bavaria, and Neckarwestheim 2 in Baden-Württemberg. According to current law, the three reactors must be closed by December 31, 2022 at the latest.

While not only the union, but also the ruling party FDP is in favor of extending the term, the Greens have ruled out a long exit from the exit. Recently, however, there have been increasing signals from the party, for example from President Ricarda Lang, that the continuation of the limited operation should not be a taboo. In this crisis, you always have to “respond to the current situation,” said ARD’s Lang. All measures must be checked.

The first stress test carried out by the Federal Ministry of Economics for electricity supply in the spring showed that the security of supply in Germany is guaranteed even under difficult conditions. A second test is currently underway, with results expected in the next few weeks.

According to the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems, the share of the three German nuclear power plants in Germany’s net electricity generation this year is 6.4 percent as of today. In the same period, natural gas contributed 10.1% to the electricity mix, while renewable energies made up the largest share with 51.6%. Electricity generated from nuclear power this year can supply nearly 4.5 million homes of four people for a year with average consumption.

Habek: “Show Putin what a rake is”

Asked whether it was assumed that Russia might not provide more gas in the next few months, Habeck told RTL Actuel: “I think this is the right position, yes. In any case, it will not be so. “Russia will continue to reduce the amount of gas in order to continue to increase pressure.” My internal position is: We have looked at what Putin is doing long enough.” But Germany is not defenseless, “It will be difficult, but we can also stand together and show Putin what is ignited.” fire”.

Russian gas company Gazprom announced on Monday that it will again reduce natural gas shipments through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline on the Baltic Sea. As of Wednesday at 6 a.m., the gas will flow daily instead of 40 percent or 33 million cubic meters of gas through the most important supply line to Germany, the company said. The reason is another turbine repair.