The Greens support temporary reserve operation of the two southern German nuclear reactors, but reject the procurement of new fuel rods. In a resolution passed by a clear majority at the party conference in Bonn on Friday, it says that for "extreme emergencies, we agree to create a conditional, time-limited nuclear power reserve that is strictly monitored by the nuclear supervisory authority".
The two southern German nuclear power plants Isar 2 and Neckarwestheim 2 should be kept in reserve until April 15 and continue to be used to generate electricity if necessary, the party conference in Bonn decided late Friday evening with a clear majority. The third remaining Emsland nuclear power plant, on the other hand, is to be finally shut down on January 1, 2023. The party is thus opposing the FDP's demand to operate more reactors - for a longer period of time. The traffic light coalition is still struggling to reach an agreement, which is to be found after the Green party conference.
The decision expressly refers to the intention of the operators of Isar 2 and Neckarwestheim 2 to dismantle the two systems immediately after April 15, 2023. The Greens would not agree to any legal regulation in the Bundestag for the procurement of new fuel elements. "They are not required for an operational reserve."
At the urging of the former Federal Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin, a few tightenings were included in the text of the decision. Nuclear power does not ensure more security of supply. And the exploding electricity prices are also due to the "disaster" of France's nuclear strategy, according to the decision.
A counter-motion rejecting any reserve operation did not find a majority among the delegates.
Greens leader Ricarda Lang said in the debate that new fuel rods or a return to nuclear power "will not happen with us". Renewable energies need to be expanded. "Nuclear power is not the future," emphasized the party leader.
Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck described a return to nuclear power as "wrong". He added: "There's no way that's going to happen to us." Regarding the reserve operation of the two nuclear power plants, he said that "we shouldn't rule out this contribution from the outset" because of the emerging gap in the energy supply.
Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke admitted that the reserve operation was also an "imposition" for her personally. But "if these power plants can make even a small contribution, then we shouldn't close our eyes to it in this difficult situation". You consider the reserve operation to be justifiable.
