German industry cautiously backs plan to abolish nuclear power

Anti-nuclear protesters in Berlin

Germany's announced intention to shut down all of its seventeen nuclear power plants by 2022 has prompted criticism form the country's nuclear power industry and from the International Energy Agency (IEA), but has the support of the population and of industrial leaders. All parties acknowledge that the shutdown could cause widespread power shortages and blackouts, particularly in winter.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel ordered several power stations to shut down for safety checks after the Fukushima disaster in Japan. She also ordered two commissions to study the ethics and safety of Germany's nuclear future.

But firms that operate the country's power grid say the system is already overloaded and can't cope with winter demands now. They warn that shutting down the nuclear supply of energy would result in the country's industries being "severely compromised."

Another group, the German Atomic Forum, also warns against abandoning nuclear power, saying that such action would cost the economy and make the country more reliant on fossil fuels and power imports. At present, nuclear energy supplies 22.3% of Germany's electricity.

The head of the energy and climate policy for the Federation of German Industry, however, says the 2022 goal is realistic, but also warns that the transition from nuclear power to renewable energy sources must be carried out in a way that ensures an affordable supply of power. Europe's most powerful economy cannot afford to be weakened by power shutdowns and inconsistent supply.

Another big concern is that new energy policies might drive up the cost of electricity.