Germany's nuclear power options

In Germany - long renowned as the stalwart, nuclear phase-out poster country - the winds appear to be changing.

Not only is EOn CEO Wulf Bernotat calling the phase-out plan incomprehensible as reported here by World Nuclear News, but Germany has also proposed a multi-national enrichment facility.

Many nuclear bloggers have picked up on [what I think was initially NEI’s theme] ‘another pro-nuclear blogger’. I’ve often cited ‘environmental conversions’. What’s this now, another nation for nuclear power? Consider that in the past year or maybe just a bit more, major shifts in nuclear polity have occurred in Sweden, the UK, the USA and even in Australia [elimination of 3 mines]. And, there are many, many others.

Looks like the world – or at least a significant part of it – is getting serious about no/low emissions technologies in the context of global energy security challenges.

[finally]

More information

IAEA Multilateral Approaches to the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Standardised, multinational licensing

As reported in this article at World Nuclear News.

What a great idea - particularly for a country like Australia! Multi-lateral cooperation and standardised designs to avoid the complete re-licensing of every reactor in every country. This could significantly reduce the time required to expand nuclear power around the world.

Also, take a look at the countries involved - some of those key indicator countries that I like to keep and eye on.

With our limited nuclear infrastructure and regulatory experience, such an approach could provide much needed assistance!