Aiwanger questions the benefit of Söder's mini nuclear reactors - Bavaria's Energy Clash: Gas Plants Now or Nuclear Reactors Later?
Bavaria's Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger has voiced strong doubts about small modular reactors (SMRs) as a near-term energy solution. While Minister-President Markus Söder pushes for a pilot SMR in the state, Aiwanger argues that Germany lacks the expertise and time to make the technology viable within the next decade.
Aiwanger instead urges immediate action on gas-fired power plants to address looming energy shortages in Bavaria and beyond.
Aiwanger's scepticism comes as global interest in SMRs grows. Only four such reactors currently operate—two in Russia, one in China, and one in Japan—with just four more under construction in China and Russia. Western nations, including the US, UK, and France, are investing heavily in research but have no active SMR projects as of March 2026. Deployment in these countries is not expected before the early 2030s.
The minister criticised Federal Economics Minister Katharina Reiche for muddying the energy debate by introducing new topics before resolving existing challenges. According to Aiwanger, her approach has created uncertainty, slowing progress on renewable projects in Bavaria. He warned that ongoing discussions about long-term solutions risk leaving the public confused and energy supply unstable.
Despite his reservations about SMRs, Aiwanger does not reject nuclear technology outright. His main concern is practicality: Germany, he argues, lacks the skills and infrastructure to develop SMRs quickly. Instead, he insists the federal government must prioritise gas power plants as a stopgap measure for the coming years, including new facilities in Bavaria.
Aiwanger's stance contrasts with Söder's ambition to build a small reactor in the state. While the minister acknowledges the potential of SMRs in the long run, he sees no realistic path to implementation before 2036.
The debate highlights a divide between Bavaria's long-term nuclear aspirations and its immediate energy needs. Aiwanger's call for gas plants reflects concerns over delays in renewables and the slow pace of SMR development. Without swift action, he warns, the state could face energy shortages in the years ahead.
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