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Germany Extends Nuclear Plants’ Life

NY Times -- Germany extends the life spans of their 17 nuclear plants while alternative energy sources are developed.

New taxes levied on utility companies will be used to help develop renewable energy sources. Germany can not afford to get rid of nuclear power because “It is a bridge”.

German law, passed by a previous government in 2002, requires the last nuclear power plant to be shut by 2022. That decision, bitterly resented by the nuclear energy companies, was largely supported by the German public, which has a deep aversion to anything nuclear, a sentiment that intensified after the nuclear accident at Chernobyl.

A survey in July found that 81 percent of Germans said the country could not do entirely without nuclear power, up from 59 percent five years ago.

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Submitted Sep 07, 2010 By: MidNJ

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lgppa Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:11,530 Points:496,235 Joined:Sep 2010	Message Posted: Oct 15, 2010 5:21:57 PM Ignore lgppa Report Abuse I thought nuclear power was part of the green energy solution!
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,266 Points:1,142,300 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 9, 2010 6:17:13 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse CashFlow: France has always put its eggs in the nu-kay-luh basket for as long as it's been around.
DrCashFlow Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:4,780 Points:1,169,630 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 9, 2010 1:22:47 AM Ignore DrCashFlow Report Abuse different attitude from france.
vandamme Champion Author New York Posts:1,018 Points:117,800 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 8:21:15 AM Ignore vandamme Report Abuse "Nuclear energy is one of the cheapest energy sources, if we can handle the radioactive waste disposal problems. " This is totally a political problem. I've been to Yucca Mountain, and it's the perfect place. Coal plants, on the other hand, spread radioactivity into the air over all of us, and create incredibly much more waste.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,266 Points:1,142,300 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 6:18:32 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse Jeff1944: can you explain what you mean? When the law was passed it was very much supported by the people in Germany. And living in Europe before and after Chernobyl, I can tell you, it was very intense. And everyone pretty much preferred for nuclear to go away -- if there had been any alternative.
Jeff1944 Champion Author South Dakota Posts:3,088 Points:678,560 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 1:43:36 AM Ignore Jeff1944 Report Abuse Sounds like poor legislative decision making based on emotion rather than facts?
Quick68 Champion Author Columbus Posts:4,837 Points:758,900 Joined:Dec 2009	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 12:33:49 AM Ignore Quick68 Report Abuse What ever type of energy sources are developed the government will put a heavy tax on it.
rxman1 Champion Author Toledo Posts:7,001 Points:1,397,270 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 12:25:30 AM Ignore rxman1 Report Abuse This is not good public policy. We need all types of energy now and in the future.
Blue_Cruzer Champion Author Lexington Posts:5,152 Points:1,202,725 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 12:21:01 AM Ignore Blue_Cruzer Report Abuse I would be surprised if they don't extend that deadline again, when it gets closer to 2022.
paulg72 Champion Author Boston Posts:1,558 Points:544,125 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 12:19:07 AM Ignore paulg72 Report Abuse France has state of the art nuclear plants and gets 80 percent of their power from nuclear power very cheap electric bills too
ItsMorph Champion Author Grand Rapids Posts:30,087 Points:2,721,175 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 12:18:03 AM Ignore ItsMorph Report Abuse Why not just put a bunch of solar subs around, manned by the military, and put 'em into the grid? Those things last 30 YEARS!
MidNJ Champion Author New Jersey Posts:4,628 Points:739,595 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 12:17:08 AM Ignore MidNJ Report Abuse There are so many options open to us. We must not get caught into one mantra of "Drill, Baby, Drill" Please, let us all explore the energy that the future can give to everyone. The options are many if only we keep our minds open.
tedjm1 Champion Author New York Posts:3,540 Points:389,685 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 12:16:37 AM Ignore tedjm1 Report Abuse Surprised on how many plants were in Germany.
CobraLeader Champion Author New Jersey Posts:267,902 Points:1,200,750 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 12:15:01 AM Ignore CobraLeader Report Abuse ... Didn't know Germany had nuclear power plants! ...
Huskersed All-Star Author Atlanta Posts:703 Points:337,950 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 12:12:15 AM Ignore Huskersed Report Abuse Nuclear energy is one of the cheapest energy sources, if we can handle the radioactive waste disposal problems.
TIGERPAW46 Champion Author Florida Posts:5,158 Points:965,885 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 12:08:31 AM Ignore TIGERPAW46 Report Abuse We have to use everything we have and can develop for at least 20 years by then we might be able to start gaining significantly on having enough more green energy to reduce petroleum dependency.
joel27nc Champion Author Raleigh Posts:8,157 Points:1,392,445 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 12:03:59 AM Ignore joel27nc Report Abuse Nuclear power can be safe when handled properly, but still worry about the waste it produces.
NavyStore Champion Author Seattle Posts:3,768 Points:1,659,690 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Sep 8, 2010 12:01:03 AM Ignore NavyStore Report Abuse They have the right idea, but then again the Germans don't let their nuke plants be run by the lowest bidder.
zeddieiv Champion Author Columbia Posts:5,651 Points:1,490,920 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:58:15 PM Ignore zeddieiv Report Abuse Nuclear is still the best thing running
cudatim Champion Author San Antonio Posts:2,186 Points:1,081,855 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:56:28 PM Ignore cudatim Report Abuse Hey, you can't keep burning oil forever; nuclear power will be needed until something better comes along.
signwiz Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,395 Points:1,349,930 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:56:09 PM Ignore signwiz Report Abuse Somewhat off subject to gas prices.
NHLiveFree Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:7,205 Points:1,170,885 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:51:09 PM Ignore NHLiveFree Report Abuse The USA can't afford to get rid of nuclear power plants either. Some of ours are now beyond their designed life span, like Vermont's one nuke plant, and are not aging gracefully. Quite a contrast in attitude on nuclear power from Germany to France.
DosEquis26 Champion Author Chicago Posts:3,758 Points:1,542,440 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:47:41 PM Ignore DosEquis26 Report Abuse what a simplistic and inaccurate statement.
MRED3 Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:3,626 Points:803,345 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:46:12 PM Ignore MRED3 Report Abuse We need nuclear power here in the states but the left kill that in the late 70`s.
paulg72 Champion Author Boston Posts:1,558 Points:544,125 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:38:57 PM Ignore paulg72 Report Abuse We need new updated and safer nuclear power
RedRam2005 Champion Author San Antonio Posts:5,696 Points:1,057,810 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:35:47 PM Ignore RedRam2005 Report Abuse Plant life is whatever you declare it to be. The longer the life the longer the depreciation schedule, in the U S that would mean higher taxes.
jrsva Champion Author Virginia Posts:7,144 Points:1,145,350 Joined:Jan 2006	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:34:09 PM Ignore jrsva Report Abuse The link to the original article is a proprietary link. One must have a user ID and password with the New York Times in order to read it. GB news articles should all have open-source links, no exceptions.
Eichhornchen Champion Author Detroit Posts:3,772 Points:747,390 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:15:20 PM Ignore Eichhornchen Report Abuse We lead the world in making easy things impossible.
gasper Champion Author Edmonton Posts:2,657 Points:973,570 Joined:Mar 2002	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:13:20 PM Ignore gasper Report Abuse If we depended on just oil and gas we would be paying a lot more for electricity nuclear power is the way to go today or pay the price.
58gas Veteran Author Indiana Posts:272 Points:100,900 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:11:55 PM Ignore 58gas Report Abuse "New taxes levied on utility companies ..." - and where do the utility companies get the money to pay those taxes? We're not as think as you dumb we are.
HailstormCA Champion Author San Diego Posts:5,856 Points:1,074,775 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:09:16 PM Ignore HailstormCA Report Abuse Hydroelectric. Especially in cars.
Vette1967 Champion Author Albany Posts:3,654 Points:815,950 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:08:29 PM Ignore Vette1967 Report Abuse Hydro power? I remember a lot of rivers in Germany.
Lukus Champion Author Halifax Posts:6,026 Points:1,216,610 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:03:11 PM Ignore Lukus Report Abuse SOLAR.
DEG Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:15,397 Points:3,054,380 Joined:Jul 2003	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:01:22 PM Ignore DEG Report Abuse With the government here pushing for electric vehicles; we need to invest in more nuclear power plants.
minnesotagirl Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:3,544 Points:777,085 Joined:Oct 2009	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:01:16 PM Ignore minnesotagirl Report Abuse Sounds like Germany has made a wise decision for their future.
LuckyTahoeGirl Champion Author Nevada Posts:2,604 Points:479,570 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 11:01:13 PM Ignore LuckyTahoeGirl Report Abuse why not
30mpg80 Champion Author Lexington Posts:4,486 Points:1,021,970 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 10:57:36 PM Ignore 30mpg80 Report Abuse Not wise to junk nuclear plants before alternative capacity is built, and sit in the dark.
mstearno Champion Author Dayton Posts:5,867 Points:1,286,185 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 10:56:46 PM Ignore mstearno Report Abuse hope it works out
fightbigoil71 Champion Author Milwaukee Posts:5,206 Points:1,088,810 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 10:54:58 PM Ignore fightbigoil71 Report Abuse This seems to be a wise decision.
DustyHorse Champion Author Virginia Posts:4,016 Points:978,340 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 10:45:08 PM Ignore DustyHorse Report Abuse On this one the Germans are not thinking with their heads. They have just lowered their competitiveness in the world economy. I guess that is good for the US.
gasaholicMO Champion Author Missouri Posts:2,416 Points:469,750 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 10:26:21 PM Ignore gasaholicMO Report Abuse If you look at all the available energy sources and the cost to produce each, nuclear is at the top. All others are not even close. If we really want to break our dependence on oil, nuclear would allow it and be cheaper to.
TRAIN RIDER Champion Author San Bernardino Posts:6,768 Points:2,298,985 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 10:19:45 PM Ignore TRAIN RIDER Report Abuse WE HAVE MADE MANY ADVANCES NECLEAR POWER.
2gjh Champion Author North Dakota Posts:2,329 Points:2,188,450 Joined:Nov 2003	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 10:11:00 PM Ignore 2gjh Report Abuse You need somethng for when the wind isn't blowing and the sun isn't shining.
sillywagon Champion Author New York Posts:10,811 Points:1,004,000 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 10:10:25 PM Ignore sillywagon Report Abuse Practice economics not politics. You can't make alternative energy sources affordable or reliable just by Government mandate.
POLELANE Champion Author Ohio Posts:7,148 Points:828,370 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 10:02:22 PM Ignore POLELANE Report Abuse Nearby; the Germans' old French friends have more atomic power plants that save a (metric) tonne of carbon dioxide generation; a nuclear navy and they are proud to be different. Guess the European Union is somewhat like ours.
Bezalel Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:9,763 Points:1,827,830 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 10:02:14 PM Ignore Bezalel Report Abuse Posted yesterday. Blast from the past.
schatzila Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,703 Points:572,925 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 9:58:31 PM Ignore schatzila Report Abuse Doh!
BWD Champion Author Charleston Posts:3,116 Points:1,760,940 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 9:44:04 PM Ignore BWD Report Abuse What a mess.
RENEGADEGAS Champion Author Missouri Posts:12,054 Points:1,127,180 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 9:36:33 PM Ignore RENEGADEGAS Report Abuse Duh! Its not rocket science.
DABEE1073 Champion Author San Diego Posts:5,690 Points:1,106,740 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Sep 7, 2010 9:33:41 PM Ignore DABEE1073 Report Abuse WHEN WILL THEY COME OUT WITH A SMALL NUCLEAR POWER PLANT FOR A CAR. JUST HAVE TOO REFUEL EVERY FIVE OR SIX YEARS.