How is Europe handling its energy dilemma?
The nuclear power plant (NPP) Isar 2 is pictured in Essenbach, Germany, March 3, 2022. Rising concern over the impact of a potential Russian gas cutoff is fueling an intensifying debate in Germany over whether the country should switch off its last three nuclear power plants as planned at the end of this year.
On Wednesday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said it might “make sense” to extend the lives of Germany’s last nuclear power plants. The war in Ukraine, and Russia’s slowdown of gas deliveries to Germany have put Europe’s largest economy in a bind. And, amid Sri Lanka’s financial crisis and fuel shortage, people can’t afford enough fuel for cars and motorbikes. Many commuters in Colombo, the country’s largest city, are turning to bicycles. Also, the UN’s nuclear chief Rafael Grossi has said that the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southeastern Ukraine “is completely out of control” and issued a plea to Russia and Ukraine to allow international experts to visit the plant. Plus, 19-year-old Letsile Tebogo from Botswana broke the 100-meter U20 world record in Colombia on Tuesday, crossing the line in 9.91 seconds.
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