Grafenrheinfeld nuclear power plant shut down ahead of schedule
The Grafenrheinfeld nuclear power plant has been taken off the grid and permanently decommissioned. Federal Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks commented:
"Shutting down the power plant in Grafenrheinfeld sends a clear message that the nuclear power phase-out is moving forward. Every nuclear power station that is taken off the grid reduces the residual risk associated with operating nuclear power plants. This brings us a step further in the restructuring our energy supply. The eight remaining power plants will gradually be shut down by the end of 2022.
The nuclear disasters in Chernobyl and Fukushima made the dangers of using nuclear energy frighteningly clear and highlighted the devastating consequences such a nuclear disaster has for people, nature and the environment. Fukushima also had far-reaching political consequences for us in Germany. In Germany, there was broad consensus across society to initiate the gradual phase-out nuclear power as quickly as possible. However, the highest level of safety must be guaranteed for the remainder of the operating period. This is a top priority for me.
The Federal Network Agency confirmed that shutting down the nuclear power plant in Grafenrheinfeld ahead of schedule is not expected to have any impact on the security of supply. Lights will not go off anywhere and electricity grids will remain stable."
Background information
The Amendment to the Atomic Energy Act of 2011 stipulates that all operating nuclear power plants are permitted to produce a certain amount of electricity. The Amendment also lists the latest possible dates by which each nuclear power plant must be shut down. Since the Grafenrheinfeld plant, which had been permitted to generate electricity until 31 December 2015, has been shut down, there are now eight nuclear power plants in operation. Block B in Gundremmingen is next on the list and is due to be shut down by 31 December 2017 at the latest. All nuclear power stations must be taken off the grid by the end of 2022.