The operator confronts Habeck in an internal email

The debate over nuclear power plants in Germany takes a new turn. PreussenElectra contradicts Economy Minister Habeck and claims that continued operation of nuclear power plants is possible.

BERLIN – The debate over nuclear power plants in Germany is gaining momentum again thanks to a letter addressed to employees of the former operator PreussenElektra. At the center of the controversy is Economy Minister Robert Habeck. His statement that he was convinced by the Board of Operators to close the nuclear power plants was met with resistance from PreussenElektra.

The nuclear power plant operator saw the possibility of continued operation

In an internal message to its employees, captured by Bild newspaper, PreussenElektra asserts: “We as PreussenElektra have always shown that we are open to examining and implementing ongoing operations and have made this clear – wherever possible.”

The view of things presented by Habeck was described by PreussenElektra as “significantly abbreviated”. It is criticized for “ignoring the basic arguments proving the feasibility of continuing the process.” In addition, it is accused that it “gives the impression that we have essentially closed ourselves off to the process continuing for a longer period of time.” We can't let this stand!

The clear conclusion from PreussenElektra is: “Our offer to inspect and implement the continued operation of KKI2 (Isar 2 nuclear power plant, editor's note) stands. However, there has been a lack of political will to do so, which is also demonstrated by the rapid publication of the report Ministerial review.

Habeck's spokeswoman stands by her offer

Eon, the parent company of PreussenElektra, also confirms the statement regarding the Isar 2 nuclear power plant. The energy company told Bild: “We have made it clear throughout the discussion that we can enable the continued operation of the power plant from a technical and logistical standpoint if the federal government so desires.” “

However, a spokeswoman for Habaek's ministry stuck to the original statement. “At the end of February/beginning of March 2022, the statement from EnBW, Eon and RWE was that the extension would not bring any additional amounts of electricity, and according to this statement, the nuclear power plants could have received either,” she explains. To reduce electricity production in 2022 or the plants had to be closed in order to be available in the winter of 2022/23.