German Industry: No Nuclear Phase-Out

Germany's governing coalition plans to end the nuclear energy program by 2020 have to be reversed, Martin Wansleben, head manager of the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), claimed. In his opinion, only a broad energy mix, including nuclear energy, can guarantee the achievement of environmental policy goals without forcing up energy prices. The German energy industry supports this request for maintaining nuclear energy and demands a new energy policy concept from the German government so that companies will finally be able to plan safely. But the German government is determined to stick to their plan as a crucial element of its energy policy. Environment Minister Jürgen Trittin is skeptical of starting a new debate about ending nuclear energy. "This is playing with economic growth and employment on the part of the DIHK and BDI (Federal Association of German Industry)," he said.