Katherina Reiche Embraces Tech-Open Approach for Nuclear Energy
Economy Minister Reiche affirmatively acknowledges acceptance of French nuclear power
Hopping on board France's nuclear power train, Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche (CDU) shows optimism for resolving the age-old dispute over the EU's definition of nuclear power as sustainable energy. Speaking on the sidelines of the OECD conference in Paris, Reiche acknowledges France's reliance on nuclear power, seeing it as a potential stepping stone for "common solutions in investing in new technologies."
While this approval doesn't extend to funding existing systems, it does mark a significant shift in resistance as Germany aligns itself with the EU's taxonomy, which classifies sustainable investments. The focus lies on low-emission technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), rather than traditional nuclear power.
When it comes to the trade agreement with Mercosur, conflicting views with France remain. Reiche admits that while there are many unresolved gaps in the French agriculture sector, the goal is to finalize the agreement this year. As for the ongoing trade disagreement with the USA, Reiche urges for a speedy resolution, emphasizing the importance of free trade for prosperity, growth, and seizing opportunities.
Contrary to reports, there are no plans to reintroduce conventional nuclear power in Germany due to financial and trust concerns with the involved companies. The European electricity market reform, which Germany lost after being outvoted, has led to this acceptance of French nuclear power. Nonetheless, the primary focus remains on increasing renewable energy and transitional technologies like hydrogen and gas-fired power plants equipped with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP
In essence, while Germany supports new nuclear technologies at the EU level, it remains adamant against a return to traditional nuclear power within its borders. This shift in stance comes as the German Ministry of Economics advocates for a diverse clean energy future, embracing nuclear fusion research as a supplement to renewable energies.
- The German Ministry of Economics, represented by Katherina Reiche, is advocating for a shift in policy-and-legislation towards investment in new technologies, such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), as part of a broader approach to sustainable energy.
- Despite the ongoing politics surrounding the trade agreement with Mercosur and the disagreement with the USA, Katherina Reiche has highlighted the importance of general-news topics like free trade for prosperity, growth, and seizing opportunities.
