Germany gives reprieve to nuclear plants

BERLIN, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Germany has decided to extend the life of its 17 nuclear power plants, the last of which was to have been shut down by 2022, authorities said.

Citing the need to provide "energy security," Chancellor Angela Merkel said nuclear plants built before 1980 will remain open for a further eight years, while newer ones will be allowed to operate for up to 14 additional years, The New York Times reported.

At the same time, Merkel said, more money would be provided for developing renewable energy sources.

Nuclear energy provides 22.6 percent of Germany's electricity consumption, while renewable sources account for 15.6 percent.

Germany could not afford to abandon nuclear power by 2022 because the amount of renewable energy would not be sufficient to make up he for the loss of nuclear power, Merkel said.

"Nuclear energy is a bridge technology," she said.

The leader of the opposition Social Democrats called the new extension a "black day for energy policy."

Sigmar Gabriel has vowed to annul the extension if his party returns to power in the next election, which is not due until 2013.