Germany’s parliament has rejected a proposal to bring back nuclear energy as the country faces mounting concerns over fuel security linked to the conflict involving Iran and rising tensions across the Middle East.
The Bundestag’s Committee on Economic Affairs and Energy confirmed on Wednesday that lawmakers voted against a motion submitted by the far-right Alternative for Germany party calling for the immediate reversal of Germany’s nuclear phase-out policy.
According to a statement issued by the committee, parliamentary groups opposed the proposal during deliberations, formally blocking efforts to restart the country’s shuttered nuclear power sector.
The motion from Alternative for Germany, widely known as AfD, urged the government to stop the dismantling of nuclear facilities and examine options for restarting the final three reactors that were closed in Germany. The party also requested a review of the economic and technical conditions required to restore older nuclear plants that have already been taken out of service.
Germany completed its long-planned exit from nuclear energy in 2023, shutting down its final reactors after years of political debate following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. Supporters of the policy argue the transition reduces long-term environmental and safety risks while accelerating investment in renewable energy sources.
The renewed debate comes as energy security has once again become a major political issue across Europe. The ongoing instability in the Gulf region and concerns over disruptions to oil and gas supplies have pushed some political groups to reconsider nuclear power as a stable domestic energy source.
AfD lawmakers argued that Germany should keep nuclear energy available to reduce dependence on imported fuel and shield the economy from future supply shocks. Party representatives also claimed that restarting reactors could help ease pressure on electricity prices and strengthen industrial competitiveness.
However, other parliamentary blocs rejected the proposal, maintaining support for Germany’s existing energy transition strategy focused on renewables, energy efficiency and alternative fuel sources.
Government officials and critics of the motion have repeatedly argued that restarting decommissioned nuclear plants would be costly, technically difficult and unlikely to provide a quick solution to current energy challenges. Experts have also pointed to the time required for safety inspections, staffing and infrastructure upgrades before any reactors could resume operations.
The vote highlights continuing divisions within German politics over how Europe’s largest economy should respond to growing geopolitical risks and energy market volatility.
While the nuclear debate remains politically sensitive, the German government has continued to prioritise wind, solar and hydrogen projects as part of its long-term energy strategy, despite increasing pressure from opposition parties calling for a broader mix of energy sources.
