The RWE Executive Board and Works Council appreciate the willingness policymakers have shown to take up a discussion on delaying the phaseout of nuclear energy. This would spell the end of the special path Germany has embarked upon to date.
Taking the step of extending nuclear power plant operation by 25 years to the commonly accepted international period of 50 to 60 years could yield additional economic value of €250 billion. This is equivalent to €3,000 per German citizen. At the same time, the extension would have the effect of cushioning pressure on prices, helping the domestic industry to maintain its competitiveness and thus strengthening Germany as production location; this is an effect that is not yet included in the figure above. Added to this are substantial benefits for environment and climate.
The economic advantages cited above would result from extending the operating period beyond the 32 years that have been legally stipulated to date. From a commercial point of view the calculation is as follows: According to current plans, RWE’s Biblis A nuclear power plant block is to go off-grid in 2010. If Biblis A were to remain on the grid, however, RWE could realise an additional effect on operating results – based on current electricity prices – of around €300 million per annum (before taxes).
If the operation of the existing nuclear power plants is extended, RWE is prepared to immediately and unconditionally take up talks with the relevant authorities. The economic opportunities resulting from the continued use of nuclear energy can then be leveraged to ease the burden on customers.
Dr. Juergen Grossmann, CEO of RWE AG: “We are moreover prepared within the scope of these new energy consensus talks – which we explicitly welcome – to make funds yielded by extended operation available for the promotion of energy efficiency, the expansion of renewable energies, research and development or other goals to be defined by the Federal Government. Whether so-called social rates should also be financed from these funds is up to the federal, state and municipal authorities to decide.”
Extending the operation of the existing nuclear power plants can contribute to lastingly and sustainably easing pressure on energy costs in Germany and to the achievement of other important energy and environmental goals set by the Federal Government.
(Source: Your Industry News)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
It looks like Germany is going to extend the plants. I don't see what option they have honestly. Unless the government simply turned off the power for 1/3rd of the homes and businesses in Germany.
That would be a heck of a wake up call for those people at least. Its one thing I've been thinking lately, people have always had electricity since they were children. It is something they take for granted, it is always there. Whereas in high brow conversations about how to reduce pollution it is sort of abstract, and many take an absolutist position.
But I think their position would become much more moderate if say the government turned off the power to 1/3rd of businesses including the one they worked at. And it was said, I'm sorry you don't have a job anymore there was not enough electricity for you.
--aa2
Post a Comment