Merkel calls for nuclear power changes

[OKIsItJustMe]

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_17691260

Merkel calls for nuclear power changes

The Associated Press
Posted: 03/24/2011 10:42:38 AM PDT

BRUSSELS—German Chancellor Angela Merkel says nuclear energy policy across the European Union has to fundamentally change to take the fallout of Japan's nuclear accident into account.

Merkel has already ordered the temporary closure of seven of Germany's oldest reactors and said ahead of Thursday's EU summit of government leaders in Brussels that nations using nuclear energy "cannot just go back to normal."

Her cautious approach contrasts with that of France, which early this week launched an impassioned defense of nuclear power. The EU leaders are expected approve the principle of strict stress tests on all 143 reactors in the region but leave the technical criteria to be decided.

[WatsonT]

1. I like the idea of closing old reactors

it's a promising area but it will require routine upgrades and regular investments to make it ever safer and more efficient.