Reply #5: They plan to shut the remaining plants by 2022 also

[divvy]

Germany has now shut down seven (?) of its oldest reactors and is planning to shut down the remaining plants by 2022.

While I do grasp the extremely high risks associated with nuclear power, I think the speed of this decision is being driven by Merkel's CDU recent election losses.

Germany's nuclear plants now produce about 26% of the country's electrical energy. I am unaware of any specific plans to replace this energy (aside from buying electricity from France's nuclear plants). The contribution of alternative energy (excepting biofuels) is very low. Will Germany be falling back on fossil fuels? Investing heavily in alternatives?

As posted below, the French are using the Fukushima disaster to review the impact of "black swan" events that might compromise the safety of their nuclear plants. Detailed recommendations are expected in September. I look forward to seeing the contingency plans.

Read Here http://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/deutsche-atomkraftwerke-sollen-bis-2022-vom-netz/4231754.html

Note: you will need to translate the text, but you will find a bonus wallet-sized picture of sara palin on the right side bar.