In the dispute between the traffic light coalition about the possible continued operation of the nuclear power plants in the coming year, the SPD parliamentary group expects a solution this week.
“I assume that we will have a solution in the next few days and that it will be discussed in the Bundestag next week,” said Parliamentary Secretary Katja Mast in Berlin. Without corresponding legislation, the operation of all nuclear power plants will expire on December 31st. “Then there is no stretching operation,” said Mast.
With a view to the FDP, she emphasized “that we must also implement what we have agreed together”. Mast was referring to the agreement reached by the coalition leaders on September 29, including a €200 billion defense against high energy prices. The coalition leaders had also agreed: “We are also now creating the possibility of running the southern German nuclear power plants until spring 2023.” These are the Isar 2 and Neckarwestheim nuclear power plants.
FDP for term extension until 2024
The FDP, on the other hand, wants all three remaining nuclear power plants to continue operating until 2024. Because of the ongoing energy crisis, “a temporary extension of the service life of the three safe German nuclear power plants until 2024” is necessary, said FDP General Secretary Bijan Djir-Sarai of the “Rheinische Post”. .
Mast emphasized: “We didn’t switch off nuclear power plants because we see it as a completely normal technology, but because it is a high-risk technology.” A solution to the conflict is being sought together with Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD).
According to Mast, the coalition is also under time pressure when it comes to the planned gas brake. Here, among other things, it is planned that the state will take over the down payment for December for buildings with gas heating or district heating. In order for this to succeed, the corresponding law must probably be discussed in the Bundesrat in October, i.e. in the session on October 28th.