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Germany to keep N-reactors till 2040

The German government has opted to extend the lifespan of its nuclear reactors despite opposition from environmental advocates who want a nuclear-free nation.

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s coalition government on Sunday decided after marathon talks to extend the lifespan of Germany’s 17 nuclear plants by 12 years on average beyond the scheduled shutdown of around 2020.

“The government yesterday approved a far-reaching and sweeping concept for energy production in the coming decades, making our power generation the most efficient and most environmentally friendly in the world,” AFP quoted Merkel as saying on Monday.

“This means that we need nuclear energy, as well as coal, as a bridge technology. I know that many people are very skeptical and critical of nuclear power, and we take these concerns completely seriously.”

The decision means that Germany will maintain its reactors until 2040.

Opponents say the reactors are going to be kept for a much longer time.

“The government has missed the chance of the century to come up with a safe energy concept,” said Greenpeace spokesman Tobias Riedel, describing the move as “irresponsible.”

Merkel does not want the legislation to be considered in Germany’s upper house, where her coalition lost its majority earlier this year.

The opposition, on the other hand, has vowed to take it to the Germany’s highest court.

The government’s move faces another challenge as long as the Social Democrats (SPD) and the Greens are concerned.

Under former chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, the two parties made a decision in 2000 for Germany to go nuclear-free.

“I can promise the government a fiery autumn,” warned Claudia Roth, co-head of the opposition Greens, while Gregor Gysi, co-head of the far-left Die Linke party, called the extension an “error of the highest order.”

Latest polls suggest that most Germans want their country to be nuclear-free.

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