Germany finally pulled the plug on its final three nuclear power plants, amid an energy crisis ravaging Europe.
As of midnight, Germany's smoking towers of Isar 2, Neckarwestheim 2, and Emsland have been closed. They comprised roughly 4,055 megawatts or 6% of Germany's total energy generation, forcing Berlin to hunt for alternatives as energy costs remain high across much of Europe.The use of those facilities was subject to years of internal strife and protest, and Germany ultimately agreed to quit generating power from nuclear reactions during the aftermath of Japan's 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Germany's efforts to close its final nuclear power plants were stymied after Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted Berlin to cut off fossil fuel imports from Russia. The move caused energy prices to skyrocket and coincided with shortages across Europe. Germany began its foray into nuclear power in 1961 when it commissioned the Kahl reactor. Nuclear energy generates large swaths of power without carbon dioxide emissions, but critics point to its radioactive waste product that can be harmful to the environment.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'A new era': Germany quits nuclear power, closing its final three plants | CNNGermany's final three nuclear power plants close their doors on Saturday, marking the end of the country's nuclear era that has spanned more than six decades.
Read more »
Powering down: Germany's last nuclear plants in final hoursGermany has begun winding down its three remaining nuclear power plants as part of a long-planned transition toward renewable energy. The shutdown of the reactors Emsland, Neckarwestheim II and Isar II on Saturday was being closely watched abroad. Other industrialized countries, such as the United States, Japan, China, France and Britain, are counting on nuclear energy to replace planet-warming fossil fuels. Germany’s decision to stop using both has met some skepticism. Defenders of atomic energy say fossil fuels should be phased out first as part of global efforts to curb climate change, arguing that nuclear power produces far fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Read more »
Spring cleaning for Pajaro, as volunteers prep for power wash SaturdayIn many households, the weekend brings washday. But in Pajaro, Saturday will see a needed scrubbing - nearly everywhere.
Read more »
Germany ends nuclear power era, shuts down last of its plantsGermany’s anti-nuclear movement fought for this moment for decades. But it comes as the U.S. and other countries have renewed interest in nuclear energy.
Read more »
Germany Shuts Down Its Last Nuclear Power ReactorsEurope’s largest economy is the third nation to quit atomic energy, choosing coal over fission in a struggle with high stakes for climate change and geopolitics.
Read more »
European exchanges' defensive appeal attracts investors after bank turmoilEuropean exchange stocks stand to benefit from a spike in volatility surrounding the downfall of Credit Suisse , as some investors turn towards bourse operators attracted by their defensive qualities and modest valuations.
Read more »