Nuclear Energy Profile - Germany
2008 Overview of the Country’s Facilities and Operational Policies
Germany is slowly phasing out its nuclear energy program, but environmental pressures could force the government to build new reactors and abandon its reliance on coal.
Once a world leader in nuclear research, Germany is currently phasing out its nuclear power program. Increasing demand for clean energy and pressure to reduce carbon dioxide emissions may force the German government to rethink its policy.
Currently Operating Nuclear Reactors
Germany currently operates 17 nuclear reactors that generated 610 billion kWh in 2004. Comprising 20.6% of installed capacity, these units supply almost one third of the country’s electricity needs. Six units are boiling water reactors (BWR), and 11 are pressurized water reactors (PWR). All units were built by Seimens-KWU, and the last facility began commercial operations in 1989. The reactors are (with net capacity, year started, and year of provisional shutdown):
- Biblis-A (PWR): 1,167 MWe, 1975 - 2008
- Biblis-B (PWR): 1,240 MWe, 1977 - 2009/2011
- Brokdorf (PWR): 1, 370 MWe, 1986 - 2019
- Brunsbuttel (BWR): 771 MWe, 1977 - 2009
- Emsland (PWR): 1,329 MWe, 1988 - 2021
- Grafenrheinfeld (PWR): 1,275 MWe, 1982 - 2014
- Grohnde (PWR): 1,360 MWe, 1985 - 2017
- Gundremmingen-B (BWR): 1,284 MWe, 1984 - 2016
- Gundremmingen-C (BWR): 1,288 MWe, 1985 - 2016
- Isar-1 (BWR): 878 MWe, 1979 - 2011
- Isar-2 (PWR): 1,400 MWe, 1988 - 2020
- Kruemmel (BWR): 1,260 MWe, 1984 - 2016
- Neckarwestheim-1 (PWR): 785 MWe, 1976 - 2009
- Neckarwestheim-2 (PWR): 1,305 MWe, 1989 - 2022
- Philippsburg-1 (BWR): 890 MWe, 1980 - 2012
- Philippsburg-2 (PWR): 1, 392 MWe, 1985 - 2018
- Unterweiser (PWR): 1,345 MWe, 1979 - 2012
Nuclear Power Policies
The Social Democratic Party (SPD) had favored nuclear power, however in August 1986, following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the party passed a resolution to abandon atomic power within ten years. In 1998, a new coalition government between SPD and the Green Party agreed to alter the law in favor of slowly phasing out the country’s nuclear power production.
Another series of agreements in 2001 between the German government and four main energy companies limited the operational lives of existing reactors to an average of 32 years, and required the decommissioning of the least economic facilities at Stade and Obrigheim in 2003 and 2005 respectively. The Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology BMWi) currently implements national energy policies.
A direct effect of these policy changes was the termination of research and development of both high-temperature gas-cooled and fast breeder reactors after 30 years of promising work.
Currently, utility companies want to extend the lifetime of the 17 remaining reactors to initially 40 years, and then individual extensions up to 60 years, which would match existing policies in the United States.
Nuclear Fuel and Waste Disposal
Germany currently imports all its uranium fuel from Canada, Australia, Russia and other countries. Thirteen of Germany’s operating reactors are also licensed to use imported Mixed Oxide fuel (MOX). Enrichment is provided by Urenco’s Gronau plant, balance is supplied by Russia, and fuel fabrication is conducted mostly in Lingen by Siemens.
Historically, from 1946 to 1990, the former East Germany mined its own uranium in Saxony and East Thuringia, causing substantial environmental damage. West Germany operated a small mine at Ellweiler between 1960 and 1989.
Intermediate-level waste products are currently stored at a facility in Ahaus. Another facility that can hold up to 300,000 cubic meters of waste will be built at Konrad following years of legal challenges. The site was finally issued a construction license in January 2008 and could be operational in 2013.
A new deep geologic disposal site at the Gorsleben salt dome in Lower Saxony is planned for the future storage of high-level wastes. The site could be operational in 2025.
Reliance on Coal for Energy
German coal mines are subsidized by the government and provide 55% of the country’s electricity. Both Deutsche Bank and the International Energy Agency issued warnings in 2007 that the German phase-out of nuclear power will limit the country’s full potential to reduce carbon emissions, cause more blackouts, and increase dependency on Russian gas imports.
References
“Country Profiles: Germany.” Nuclear Energy Agency. June 20, 2007.
“Nuclear Power in Germany.” World Nuclear Association. January 2008.
