Germany Debates Using Nuclear Power To Compensate For Russian Energy Imports

ESSENBACH, GERMANY - AUGUST 04: The Isar nuclear power plant is pictured on August 4, 2022 in Essenbach, Germany. The leader of the German Christian Democrats (CDU), Friedrich Merz, and Bavarian Premier Markus Soeder are arguing for extending the operational life of the Isar 2 reactor beyond its scheduled closing at the end of this year in order to help Germany mitigate the effects of the current reduction of natural gas supplies by Russia. Russia, likely in response to Germany's support of Ukraine, has dropped the supply of gas flowing through the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline to 20%. The German government is seeking to avoid expected energy shortfalls, especially this coming winter, and Chancellor Scholz yesterday said he is considering allowing Germany's three remaining nuclear reactors to run longer than currently scheduled. (Photo by Lennart Preiss/Getty Images)