Siemens, the German industrial and engineering giant, has announced its intention to pull out of the nuclear industry completely. The move reflects Germany’s recent decision to close its 17 nuclear power plants – all of which were built by Siemens – by 2022 and replace them with renewable and sustainable energy sources.

Siemens’ chief executive, Peter Loescher, linked the company’s announcement with Japan’s nuclear disaster at Fukushima in March 2011 and described it as their answer to ‘...the clear positioning of German society and politics for a pullout from nuclear energy.’

Before the Japanese disaster, 23% of Germany’s electricity was generated by nuclear power and Siemens were heavily involved in a number of nuclear projects, so their move away from nuclear marks a major sea change. However, Siemens will still manufacture components such as steam turbines which can be used in nuclear power stations as well as conventional plants.

Wilding says: ‘It’s slightly worrying to see such a major player leave the nuclear industry. Renewable energy is still in its infancy and many countries will need to use nuclear power for many years to come, to meet rising energy demands. But maybe Siemens’ decision will inspire other countries to follow Germany’s lead and invest in developing sustainable energy sources – which is just what we need to combat climate change.’

Source: BBC