Shut-down and dismantling of nuclear power plants

In the wake of the reactor accidents in the Japanese nuclear power plant Fukushima Daiichi in March 2011, the Federal Government resolved the energy policy turnaround. This is characterized by an accelerated phasing out of nuclear energy while retaining the expansion targets for renewable energy sources with respect to the 'Energy concept 2050' being decided in September 2050. In line with the energy policy turnaround 2011, the authorization for power operation of eight existing nuclear power plants was withdrawn. Contingents for power generation as well as fixed dates for the closure for the remained nine nuclear power plants are predetermined. In accordance with the thirteenth amendment of the Atomic Energy Act, the last nuclear power plants have to be disconnected from the power distribution system by the end of the year 2022 at the latest. In the year 2011, the power generated by nuclear power plants amounted 18% of the total power generation in the Federal Republic of Germany (2010: 22%). Due to the increasing number of shut-down nuclear power plants, the dismantling of nuclear power plants is more focused. The dismantling of nuclear power plants and other nuclear installations is no virgin territory in Germany: Three nuclear power plants as well as an enhanced number of other nuclear facilities were completely dismantled.