Alan Short
09/10/2010
3:35 pm
This article is about Germany extending the life span of its 17 nuclear power plants. All of Germany’s nuclear power facilities were set to phase out by 2022. Nuclear power is used as a bridge in Germany because neither fossil fuels nor renewable energy is enough. Germany can’t afford to cut nuclear power out of the equation just yet as they are still developing their renewable energy program. Many Germans are on the fence about this issue due to the nuclear accident at Chernobyl and the thought that Germany can’t do without nuclear power. On the other hand, by extending the life of these nuclear power plants profits are expected to grow by $8.2 billion. Coupled with high profits and newly imposed taxes on these plants Germany’s economy will get a boost as well as funding for development of their renewable energy program.
Germany is on the right path to success. Their goal is to eliminate nuclear power and expand the renewable energy program. They are one of the many world players trying to reduce their carbon footprint. Although implementing renewable energy sources is costly Germany has a plan to pay for it by keeping their nuclear power plants open. Also, there seems to be a political debate about this. There are always people who are opposed to change. Who doesn’t want a cheaper electric bill? Renewable energy is becoming the future as fossil fuels become the past.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/07/world/europe/07nuclear.html?ref=energy-environment
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