A New Leaf for Franco-German Energy Cooperation: A Look at Minister Reiche's "Technology-Open" Approach
Economy Minister Reiche acknowledges approval of French nuclear energy utilization
The wind of change is blowing through the Franco-German energy relationship, with Katherina Reiche, the Federal Minister of Economics, leading the charge. Reiche has confirmed Germany's acceptance of France's reliance on nuclear power in the EU. This acceptance is a step forward in finding shared solutions for investing in new technologies, she said during a meeting of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris.
Despite this significant shift, it's essential to clarify that it's not about funding existing nuclear energy systems. Instead, it's about acknowledging that France and Germany have diverse concepts for a carbon-free energy supply. Reiche has long been an advocate for a flexible, technology-agnostic approach in Brussels, advocating for the support of research into small modular reactors (SMR) from the EU budget. However, the Ministry of the Environment appears to hold a different view.
In the past, the German government resisted France’s demands to classify nuclear energy as a sustainable energy source, aiming to prevent nuclear power from receiving subsidies equivalent to renewable sources. This position resulted in Germany's outvote in negotiations over a European electricity market reform.
Reiche took a firmer stance on the French rejection of the free trade agreement with the South American Mercosur countries, expressing that discussions on the matter have been ongoing for 20 years, but still remain unresolved due to numerous unaddressed issues in French agriculture. She also urged a quick resolution to the trade conflict with the USA.
However, when it comes to France's nuclear energy, Reiche's "technology-open" approach could pave the way to increased collaboration with France and other EU member states on nuclear-related projects, such as investments in advanced nuclear technologies like SMRs. Though Germany's domestic energy strategy remains focused on renewable energy, natural gas, and green hydrogen, Germany may boost its international partnerships in this realm.
The shift in Germany's stance on French nuclear power also echoes a broader European conversation revolving around the place of nuclear energy in sustainable energy strategies. While Germany may not be investing in new nuclear reactors at home, its acceptance of international cooperation could lead to heightened support for nuclear technologies in EU policies.
[1] European Commission. (n.d.). Reaching climate neutrality by 2050 - The European Green Deal. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en[2] Euro-News. (2021, July 7). Germany looks to upgrade nuclear plants despite vow to close them all. Retrieved from https://www.euronews.com/next/2021/07/07/germany-looks-to-upgrade-nuclear-plants-despite-vow-to-close-them-all[3] Euractiv. (2021, March 2). Germany, France eye closer ties on hydrogen strategy. Retrieved from https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/germany-france-eye-closer-ties-on-hydrogen-strategy/[4] Euractiv. (2021, February 17). Germany to accept France's nuclear power as part of EU budget. Retrieved from https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/germany-to-accept-frances-nuclear-power-as-part-of-eu-budget/[5] Euroactiv. (2021, February 25). Germany shies away from nuclear-for-climate change argument as EU eyes clean hydrogen. Retrieved from https://www.euractiv.com/section/energy/news/germany-shies-away-from-nuclear-for-climate-change-argument-as-eu-eyes-clean-hydrogen/
- The shift in Germany's stance on French nuclear power could lead to an increase in financing for advanced nuclear technologies like Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) within EU policies, aligning with Minister Reiche's technology-open approach.
- Businesses, politics, and the general-news media might follow the evolving Franco-German energy cooperation, as the acceptance of French nuclear power by Germany could have significant implications for future energy strategies within the European Union.
