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IAEA Chief Says Germany Is 'Seriously' Weighing Nuclear Return as Ministry Denies Plan

Any reconsideration would likely focus on small modular reactors or fusion rather than building large conventional plants.

Overview

  • IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi told Politico that Economics Minister Katherina Reiche indicated the issue is being examined very seriously during G7 energy talks in Toronto.
  • A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs said there is no plan to reintroduce nuclear power in Germany and declined to comment on private conversations.
  • Grossi suggested any potential path back would prioritize small modular reactors and fusion, arguing large reactors are too costly for Germany.
  • Germany completed its nuclear phase-out in 2023, closing its last plant after a policy shift initiated following the Fukushima disaster.
  • A Verivox/Innofact poll reported by Stern in March found 55% support for a nuclear return, and Reiche’s June participation in a pro-nuclear European ‘Nuclear Alliance’ meeting drew attention to the issue.