Majority of Germans Now Support Return to Nuclear Power

Public Opinion Shifts in Favor of Nuclear Energy

Two years after Germany shut down its last nuclear power plants, public support for a return to atomic energy is growing. A recent representative survey conducted by the Innofact Institute on behalf of consumer portal Verivox shows that 55 percent of respondents now favor a reintroduction of nuclear power in the country. Only 36 percent opposed the idea, while 9 percent were undecided.

The findings indicate a notable shift in public sentiment since the country completed its nuclear phase-out in April 2023. The phase-out had originally been scheduled for December 2022 but was extended by a few months in response to the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Now, with ongoing concerns about energy security and rising costs, more Germans are reconsidering the decision to abandon nuclear energy entirely.

Regional and Demographic Differences in Support

Support for nuclear energy is particularly high among men, with 62 percent in favor, compared to 47 percent among women. Regionally, the strongest backing comes from eastern Germany (61 percent) and southern Germany (59 percent). In contrast, support is slightly weaker in the western (49 percent) and northern regions (51 percent).

According to the survey, 32 percent of respondents support both restarting the recently decommissioned nuclear plants and constructing new facilities. An additional 22 percent are in favor of only restarting the most recently shut-down reactors.

Political Parties Split on the Issue

The topic of nuclear energy has re-entered political debate amid ongoing coalition negotiations between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD). The CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, has proposed assessing whether the previously closed nuclear facilities can be reactivated under reasonable financial and technical conditions. Their plan also includes the possibility of halting the dismantling of six decommissioned plants while feasibility studies are carried out.

In contrast, the SPD rejects the idea of returning to nuclear energy. Alexander Schweitzer, Minister-President of Rhineland-Palatinate and SPD negotiator, stated that there is no realistic path forward for new or restarted nuclear plants. He emphasized the lack of interest from energy companies and described the debate as largely symbolic and detached from current energy policy.

Green Party Criticizes Revival Plans as Unrealistic

Franziska Brantner, chair of the Green Party, warned against diverting billions of euros into nuclear infrastructure. Speaking on Welt TV, she argued that such resources would be better used to develop renewable energy, storage solutions, and hydrogen technologies. Brantner urged consistency in energy policy, arguing that Germany should avoid a new dependency on imported nuclear fuel after moving away from foreign gas.

She emphasized that Germany is already on a viable path toward renewable energy and that constant policy reversals undermine both public trust and economic stability.

Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke also rejected the CDU’s proposal, describing it as disconnected from reality. She noted that the dismantling of the nuclear facilities is already underway and warned of legal, economic, and safety risks should the process be reversed. Lemke called the idea of nationalizing and operating old reactors a “bizarre proposal.”

Energy Policy Remains a Divisive Issue

The debate over nuclear energy continues to polarize the political landscape. While conservative leaders argue for energy diversification and reconsideration of nuclear power in light of global energy volatility, opponents stress the financial burden, long-term risks, and regulatory challenges associated with reversing the phase-out.

The AfD, a far-right party, has taken a firm stance in favor of nuclear revival. Party co-chair Alice Weidel called for the reactivation of shut-down reactors and further investment in next-generation nuclear technology.

Despite these political differences, the survey also highlights broad consensus on another issue: the expansion of renewable energy. A majority of 57 percent of respondents support continued strong investment in solar, wind, and other clean technologies. Only 17 percent oppose this direction.

Thorsten Storck from Verivox noted that many Germans no longer view nuclear energy and renewable energy as mutually exclusive. Rather, a growing number of citizens see the need for a diversified and reliable energy mix.

Public Debate Likely to Intensify

With energy prices still high and climate goals looming, the discussion about the future of Germany’s energy supply is far from over. Although the nuclear phase-out is legally and technically advanced, rising public support may influence future political agendas. For now, the dismantling of reactors continues, but the question of nuclear energy’s role in Germany’s future remains active and politically charged.