Germany rules out nuclear power return post-Chernobyl

Chernobyl Disaster Marks 40th Anniversary Today: Saxony-Anhalt's Environment Minister Calls Nuclear Revival a False Solution

Germany rejects nuclear revival decades after Chernobyl's shadow lingers

This Sunday marks the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. On April 26, 1986, a reactor at the power plant in what is now northern Ukraine exploded, with catastrophic consequences: radioactive clouds spread across much of Europe, 350,000 people were forced to relocate, and another 100,000 died in subsequent decades from long-term effects such as cancer. On the anniversary, Saxony-Anhalt's Energy Minister, Prof. Dr. Armin Willingmann, dismissed a nuclear revival in Germany as unrealistic, arguing that nuclear power fails to address current energy supply challenges, is costly, and carries significant risks.

"Those who peddle nuclear and fusion reactors as the answer to today's energy supply problems are engaging in nothing but blatant populism, willfully ignoring key factors," Willingmann stated. "The Chernobyl disaster demonstrates just how hazardous nuclear power is and the devastating consequences malfunctions can have—whether in peacetime or during conflict. But nuclear energy isn't just risky—it's also the most expensive form of power generation. Even if policymakers were to greenlight nuclear energy again today, it wouldn't resolve our immediate supply issues. Building new reactors would take decades and devour billions in funding."

Willingmann also rejected proposals from Berlin to restart decommissioned reactors. "Some claim a few billion euros would be enough to bring old plants back online quickly, but the reality is the opposite," he said. "Whether it's Emsland, Grohnde, or Brockdorf—dismantling has already progressed too far. The state would have no industry partners left, as former operators have long moved on from nuclear power and show no willingness to re-enter the sector."

The minister emphasized that Germany could secure a reliable and affordable energy supply by accelerating the expansion of renewables and advancing the energy transition. While flexible fossil fuel capacity would remain necessary for a transitional period, new nuclear plants were unnecessary. "We don't need phantom debates—they get us nowhere," Willingmann asserted. "What we need now is a clear commitment to the energy transition and priority for renewables. For the sake of our economy, our people, and our environment, we can't afford further hesitation."