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Söder Revives Nuclear Push With Call for Small Reactors in Germany

Opponents cite cost, safety, and waste concerns, arguing renewables can scale faster and cheaper.

Overview

  • CSU leader Markus Söder urged a policy shift to small modular reactors, framing them as “smarter” mini‑plants for affordable power.
  • Reporting clarified that Canada has no operational SMRs, with preparatory work in Ontario targeting a first unit around 2030.
  • SPD, Greens, and the Left rejected the plan, with SPD’s Nina Scheer calling SMRs an expensive, high‑risk technology that increases nuclear waste.
  • AfD backed SMRs and went further by pressing to return the 2023‑shut plants Neckarwestheim II, Isar 2, and Emsland to service, citing possible renovations.
  • Cost and feasibility doubts dominated the response, citing Hinkley Point’s projected €55 billion price tag and the halted NuScale project after steep overruns, alongside Germany’s unresolved waste repository and ongoing transports.