Industry NewsGermany has shut down seven of its nuclear reactors temporarily and is reviewing its future policy in light of the crisis in Japan. The situation has supported energy prices across Europe as other nations consider similar moves, increasing demand for other fuels. There are also concerns that the situation will make it harder for Europe to meet its environmental goals as it turns back to more fossil-fuel based generation. The UK appears to be one of the country's continuing to push on with the plans for new nuclear power stations.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has ordered a temporary three-month idling of the power stations that were developed before 1980. The move effectively cuts the region's generation capacity by at least 15 per cent, but Merkel has reportedly indicated this should not be an issue at the moment given the supply-demand balance. A previous decision to extend the lifespan of the German nuclear fleet has also been shelved while the policy as a whole is reviewed. The European Union, meanwhile, is working on a "stress test" programme of all nuclear facilities in the Euro bloc.
However, UK Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has cautioned against any snap judgment on nuclear. He has ordered a review of the UK?s safety arrangements, but has reportedly said the technology still has a roll to play in the country's fuel mix. He told MPs "We should not rush to judgement...Let's wait until we have got the full facts." He added, "Does that mean I am going to be a complacent and say we have no lessons to be learned from Japan? No."