SEEON/MUNICH (dpa-AFX) – In order to secure energy supplies, the CSU in the Bundestag is counting on a return of nuclear energy in Germany and the construction of mini-nuclear power plants despite the nuclear phase-out. Specifically, the Christian Socialists are calling for the research and development of a circular economy for nuclear energy. “We want to achieve a turnaround in nuclear research. Our country cannot afford to miss new technologies,” says the draft of a position paper that is to be decided at the CSU MPs’ retreat in Seeon Monastery in Upper Bavaria.
Examination from January 6th – Chancellor Merz is one of the guests
The winter retreat will take place from January 6th to 8th – for the first time under the leadership of regional group leader Alexander Hoffmann. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) are expected as guests. Like every year, CSU boss Markus Söder is also coming.
SPD speaks of denial of reality
Criticism of the move comes from the Berlin coalition partner SPD. “Nuclear energy is the most expensive form of energy production and will remain so given that renewable energies are already unbeatably cheap,” said SPD energy politician Nina Scheer. Plans for a re-entry are a denial of reality. Corresponding concepts “think logically only about military intentions”: “Anyone who pursues such a – military – goal should say so openly and not mislead the population with a supposed energy policy classification.”
Hoffmann: “We don’t want to go back to the nuclear power of the 70s”
CSU regional group leader Hoffmann told the German Press Agency in Munich: “We don’t want to go back to the nuclear power of the 1970s, but rather forward to the next generation of nuclear power: climate-neutral, safe and, if possible, without radioactive waste.”
Germany has been a leader in nuclear research for decades and is now in danger of being left behind. “Where, if not with us, can a real circular economy for nuclear energy be developed – with the aim of complete reprocessing so that in the end there is no nuclear waste at all,” emphasized Hoffmann. “But this can only be achieved with strong research and real application here in Germany.”
Germany should become a pioneer in nuclear research
The aim of the new German nuclear research must be to “transform from a laggard to a pioneer again,” it says in the paper. Nuclear energy must again play a larger role in Germany’s electricity supply – especially with a view to climate goals and security of supply. Nuclear power is climate-friendly, cheap and base load capable.
Further: “We focus on research into fourth and fifth generation nuclear energy and on the construction of smaller nuclear reactors (Small Modular Reactors).” Energy prices should be reduced in the long term through cheap production in Germany and not through expensive imports or subsidies. “We therefore want to introduce these smaller nuclear reactors for cost-effective energy generation for Germany.”
Party leader Söder has also often called for a revival of nuclear power
Such calls for a renaissance of nuclear power are not generally new from the CSU – party leader Söder has already spoken out several times in favor of mini-nuclear reactors based on the Canadian model. However, an inquiry from the Greens revealed that the “McMaster Nuclear Reactor” (MNR) at McMasterUniversity does not have a modern reactor, but rather a 66-year-old research reactor. During the coalition negotiations with the SPD and CDU, the CSU was unable to assert its nuclear plans.
Even the former operators of the nuclear reactors have long stated that nuclear power is the most expensive form of electricity generation at up to 49 cents per kilowatt hour. The nuclear phase-out in Germany, which will be implemented in 2023, is based on a resolution by the Bundestag, which the CSU also approved in 2011. The question of the use of nuclear energy remains highly controversial in Germany and is being discussed controversially.
Paper calls for a reduction in electricity taxes, more gas and bioenergy
The CSU’s position paper also relies on reducing electricity taxes for all consumers – including private individuals. In addition, the complete abolition of the heating law and the promotion of low-emission heating solutions including heating with wood are repeatedly mentioned, as is the call for the construction of a fusion reactor in Germany and the rapid construction of new gas power plants. Germany must become “self-sufficient” in gas. Furthermore, the CSU energy mix relies on increased use of bioenergy and, in the future, also of hydrogen./had/DP/zb