Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke out in favour of extending the use of nuclear power plants in Germany in a television interview on Sunday, saying it would be reasonable if they could run another 10 to 15 years. But she also warned against high expectations for the 17 nuclear power plants in Germany, which are currently scheduled to be shut down in 2021.
Opinion polls show a majority of Germans opposed to extending the use of nuclear power. Merkel said security was the highest priority. She also said she wanted to give any measure to extend nuclear power a strong legal foundation - which is why she wants to find a way to extend nuclear power without needing approval from the upper house, or Bundesrat, where her centre-right coalition has no majority.
"From the point of view of energy experts an extension of more than 10 years is desirable," Merkel told ARD television. "From an expert point of view an (extension) period of 10 to 15 years is reasonable." On Saturday Economy Minister Rainer Bruederle said German nuclear power plants should continue operating for a further 12 years beyond their scheduled shutdown date of 2021.
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