BERLIN, Sept 27 (Reuters) – Germany plans to place two of its last nuclear power plants Isar 2 and Neckarwestheim in reserve until April 15, 2023, and will decide to extend their life this year, depending on the nuclear situation in France, said the Ministry of the Economy.
Germany had planned to complete the phase-out of nuclear power by the end of this year, but a collapse in energy supplies from Russia due to the war in Ukraine prompted the government to maintain two power plants on hold until April.
“The operators will now make all the necessary preparations for the nuclear power plants in southern Germany to produce electricity in winter and beyond the end of the year, of course in compliance with safety regulations” said Economy Minister Robert Habeck.
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The operators E.ON (EONGn.DE) and EnBW (EBKG.DE) welcomed the agreement on the possible extended temporary operation of their plants.
The nuclear energy supply situation in France would be an important factor in the final decision on whether or not to extend the life of the plants, he said.
“Today I have to say that the data from France suggests that we will then call and use the reserve,” Habeck said.
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Reporting by Riham Alkousaa and Madeline Chambers; Editing by Jonathan Oatis
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