dpa/TIN24 Editor Amit Alhat
November 16, 2025
Munich: In a stark call for energy policy overhaul, Bavaria’s Premier Markus Söder has urged Germany to embrace “mini” nuclear power plants, criticizing heavy subsidies in renewables and gas while highlighting the need for cost-effective, innovative solutions.
Speaking to the Sunday edition of Welt newspaper, Söder clarified: “It’s not about building large reactors like in the past. I’m talking about smaller, smart reactors, such as those already in use in Canada.” He argued that these compact units would require far less state funding than traditional plants.
However, the Canadian government notes that such reactors remain in development, with preparatory efforts in Ontario targeting a 2030 launch for the first unit.
As head of the Christian Social Union (CSU)—sister party to Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU)—Söder has long opposed the 2023 nuclear shutdown.
Even former reactor operators acknowledge nuclear as the priciest electricity source, yet Söder insists on subsidy-free principles: “We want to build gas-fired power plants and expand renewable energies, but we overlook the fact that all of this is highly subsidized. We are pushing down energy prices with state money instead of focusing on cheap production.”
The Bavarian leader also renewed demands to tap northern Germany’s gas reserves and explore domestic rare earth mining to bolster energy security.
Söder’s proposals come amid Germany’s push for green transitions, challenging the federal consensus on nuclear exit while spotlighting debates over affordability and innovation in a post-phase-out era.
Author: The India News 24
TIN24 (The India News 24) The India News 24 (TIN24) is a Mumbai-based news Digital Media focusing on breaking news, local and regional issues in India, with content primarily in Marathi. It was established with an X (Twitter) presence since July 2022. Owner & News Editor: Amit Alhat Education: BA in Mass Communication Journalism (Graduate) Experience: 12 years in journalism Platforms: - Website: https://theindianews24.in - X (Twitter): https://x.com/the_indianews24 - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theindianews247 - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theindianews_24
