German Chancellor Friedrich Merz acknowledged that Germany’s decision to exit nuclear power has proved to be a costly strategic misstep, highlighting the economic and logistical burdens of the country’s energy transition. Merz’s comments reflect growing scrutiny in Berlin over the long-term impacts of the nuclear phase-out and its consequences for energy security and costs.

Merz Labels Nuclear Exit as Strategic Error

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, admitted recently that Germany’s departure from nuclear energy was a serious strategic mistake, saying the policy has made the country’s energy transition “the most expensive in the entire world.” His remarks underscore concerns among some German policymakers that eliminating nuclear power — once a significant part of the electricity mix — has complicated energy planning and driven up costs.

When and How Germany Left Nuclear Power?

Germany’s nuclear phase-out decision traces back to the aftermath of the Fukushima disaster in Japan, when the government under Former Chancellor Angela Merkel accelerated its exit from nuclear power. The policy aimed to reduce nuclear risks and pivot toward renewable energy. As part of this strategy, Germany closed a substantial number of reactors over two decades, and in April 2023 the last three operational nuclear power plants were taken offline, marking the end of the country’s nuclear power era after around 60 years of use.

Transition Costs and Energy Challenges

Merz argued that Germany’s rush to pivot away from nuclear energy, combined with extensive investment in renewable sources under the Energiewende policy, has made the transition unusually expensive. He said he knows “of no other country that makes things so difficult and expensive as Germany,” highlighting the political and economic debates over balancing energy costs, reliability, and climate goals.

The nuclear exit has been linked to debates over electricity prices, grid stability, and dependence on energy imports, especially in light of geopolitical tensions and fossil fuel market volatility following Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Political and Policy Context

Merz’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions in Berlin about the future of energy policy, including whether Germany should reconsider aspects of its nuclear stance or invest more heavily in advanced nuclear technologies such as modular reactors. While reviving defunct reactors is widely seen as impractical, Merz’s critique has reinvigorated debate over Germany’s long-term energy strategy and how best to ensure affordable, secure, and low-carbon power for the future.