Overview
- A CSU draft energy paper calls for renewed nuclear research, a circular fuel economy for spent fuel, and the deployment of small modular reactors in Germany.
- The party backs fourth- and fifth-generation reactor concepts it portrays as safer, climate-friendly and designed to minimize radioactive waste.
- The proposals are slated for discussion at the CSU Winterklausur from January 6 to 8 in Kloster Seeon, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nauseda among the expected guests.
- SPD energy politician Nina Scheer rejected a nuclear re-entry as denial of reality, labeling atomic power the costliest option and arguing the concepts point to military intentions.
- Beyond nuclear, the paper seeks lower electricity taxes, repeal of the heating law, rapid construction of new gas plants, a domestic fusion effort, and expanded bioenergy and hydrogen, reopening debate after the 2023 phase-out.