财经观察：“核能时代落幕”，德国电力靠什么保障

Core Viewpoint - Germany has officially abandoned nuclear power, marking the end of an era that has provided electricity for approximately 60 years, raising concerns about rising electricity costs for consumers and the impact on energy-intensive industries [1][2]. Group 1: Germany's Nuclear Phase-Out - Germany is the first major industrial nation to completely phase out nuclear power, which has been a significant source of electricity since the 1960s [1]. - The decision to abandon nuclear energy was solidified after the Fukushima disaster in 2011, leading to the closure of the last three nuclear plants in April 2023 [2]. - The closure of nuclear plants has resulted in increased carbon emissions, as Germany has had to rely more on coal to meet electricity demands, creating a conflict between environmental goals and energy policy [2][3]. Group 2: Public Sentiment and Economic Impact - A significant portion of the German public opposes the nuclear phase-out, with surveys indicating that nearly two-thirds of Germans are against closing the remaining nuclear plants [4]. - Since 2011, German consumers have incurred an additional cost of €57 billion due to the transition away from nuclear energy [4]. - The high electricity prices are prompting energy-intensive companies to relocate production to Eastern Europe or Asia, contributing to a decline in Germany's industrial competitiveness [5]. Group 3: Energy Transition Challenges - Germany aims for 80% of its electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030, but currently, renewables only account for about 57% of the energy supply, leading to instability [6]. - The country has become a net importer of electricity, with significant imports recorded in the second quarter of 2023, highlighting the challenges of domestic energy production [6]. - The reliance on gas-fired power plants is increasing, with plans to invest €20 billion in new gas plants to ensure energy security, but this may not lower electricity costs significantly [7]. Group 4: Future of Nuclear Energy in Europe - The EU plans to increase nuclear capacity from 98 GW to 109 GW by 2050, requiring an investment of €205 billion for new plants and €36 billion for extending existing reactors [3]. - Countries like Poland are moving forward with nuclear projects, contrasting Germany's phase-out, as the EU seeks to reduce dependence on foreign energy and achieve climate goals [2][3].