[en] The oil price decline and the Chernobyl reactor accident are events that emphasize new aspects in the discussion on issues of the energy policy. Oil consumption and oil prices no doubt will rise again, but energy policy will be forced to respond only in the event of another oil supply shortage. The oil price decline and the depreciation of the U.S. dollar have also put a pressure on the German coal sector. The great social contract of the coal industry, together with the 3rd law on enhanced use of coal for electricity generation, counterbalance this effect. There are political parties and trade unions demanding a complete nuclear shut-off. A nuclear power phase-out decision by the Government would, however, so sharply alter the political course adopted for the power industry that all effects have to be scanned rigurously beforehand. There is no reason categorically demanding enhanced utilisation of nuclear power. (DG)