A new report by TÜV Süd refutes Habeck’s statements on extending the operating lives of two nuclear power plants in Bavaria. In this report, TÜV confirms that the Isar 2 nuclear power plant can be operated well beyond the end of the year. Even the short-term recommissioning of Block C in Gundremmingen, which has already been shut down, is possible from a technical point of view. The plants are in the best condition and there are no concerns about operational safety. The expert report dates from 14 April and was commissioned by the Bavarian Ministry of the Environment. Concerns. The TÜV thus contradicts the statements of Economics Minister Habeck once again.
TÜV expert opinion contradicts statements of several government representatives
Markus Söder has long advocated a short-term extension of the operating lives of the last remaining nuclear power plants. However, this was rejected by Economics Minister Habeck, Environment Minister Lemke and Chancellor Scholz. The reasons given were both safety concerns and missing fuel elements. Both arguments have now been refuted by the TÜV.
Enough fuel elements available to keep nuclear power plants running
TÜV Süd confirms that both the continued operation of Isar 2 and the resumption of operation of unit C in Gundremmingen with remaining fuel elements would be entirely possible. Isar 2 could continue to produce electricity until August 2023. According to the report, new fuel elements would be available after 12 months at the latest.
Even nuclear power plant already shut down could be restarted
TÜV Süd also believes that unit c of the Gundremmingen nuclear power plant, which has already been shut down, can be restarted with the remaining fuel elements. The existing fuel elements would be sufficient for at least six months. Both power plants together could thus still generate 2.4 per cent of the electricity consumed in Germany last year. Contrary to the TÜV statement, Habeck has repeatedly emphasised that no fuel elements would be available for an extension of the operating time.
Klaus Müller, President of the Federal Network Agency, also spoke out against the extension of nuclear power plant lifetimes. His argument: “Nuclear power plants do not produce heat, they do not heat homes, but they produce electricity”. With this argument, however, no coal-fired power plant would be allowed to go on the grid. But that is exactly what the politicians have now decided.