Silver Linings Part II: Germany to Dump All Nuke Plants by 2022, Swiss by 2034.

Lots of VERY interesting things happening these days in the wake of the nuclear meltdown in Japan.  As reported in my last post, the Japanese government is expected to announce plans to require all new buildings and homes to be fitted with solar panels by 2030.

Not to be outdone, the Germans are planning to wind down their nuclear programs completely.  In the aftermath of Fukushima, Germany is crafting a plan to replace its nuclear program with renewable energy sources - and to shut down all 17 of its nuclear reactors by 2022.  Replacing the power generated by these plants will of course be a significant challenge, and will represent Europe's largest commitment to transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power.

Switzerland has also re-evaluated its commitment to nuclear energy since the accident in Japan.   Last week, the Swiss decided to shutter their five reactors once they complete their useful lives - and not replace them. 
The reactors will be shut down gradually as they reach their average life span of 50 years, indicating that the last plant to cease production will go dark in 2034.


I hear the lobbyists for the nuclear industry are burning up the phones to the Reichstag to thwart this plan.  Actually, I'm just imagining that - but fully expect it nonetheless.  Germany, Switzerland, and Japan - doing their part to make the world a greener, more sustainable place.  Thanks for helping us breathe a little easier!

Hello, Washington, are you listening?!?