On This Day

Germany ends its use of nuclear power, closing its last three nuclear power plants - Emsland, Isar 2 and Neckarwestheim

Germany ends its use of nuclear power, closing its last three nuclear power plants - Emsland, Isar 2 and Neckarwestheim to focus on renewable energy [1]

Nuclear power was used in Germany from the 1960s until it was fully phased out in April 2023.

German nuclear power began with research reactors in the 1950s and 1960s, with the first commercial plant coming online in 1969. By 1990, nuclear power accounted for about a quarter of the electricity produced in the country. Nuclear power accounted for 13.3% of German electricity supply in 2021, supplied by six power plants. Three of these were switched off at the end of 2021, and the other three ceased operations by April 2023.

The anti-nuclear movement in Germany has a long history dating back to the early 1970s and intensified following the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.

Historical Significance

Nuclear power was used in Germany from the 1960s until it was fully phased out in April 2023.

Events Before

  1. Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan becomes the first player in NBA history to hit buzzer-beaters on consecutive days; h

    Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan becomes the first player in NBA history to hit buzzer-beaters on consecutive days; he hits 3-pointers to beat the Washington Wizards 120-119 and the previous night the Indiana Pacers 108-106

  2. Actors Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa divorce after four years of marriage

    Actors Lisa Bonet and Jason Momoa divorce after four years of marriage

  3. Russia launches a full-scale pre-dawn and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by land, air, and sea, with bombings in several

    Russia launches a full-scale pre-dawn and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by land, air, and sea, with bombings in several cities. Moments later, Vladimir Putin announces the start of a three-day “special military operation” in Ukraine to "demilitarize" the country. [1]

  4. In a major victory for Ukraine, Russia announces it is withdrawing its badly mauled forces from around Ukraine's capital

    In a major victory for Ukraine, Russia announces it is withdrawing its badly mauled forces from around Ukraine's capital, Kyiv

  5. "Top Gun Maverick" the sequel starring Tom Cruise, Miles Teller and Jennifer Connelly is released 36 years after the ori

    "Top Gun Maverick" the sequel starring Tom Cruise, Miles Teller and Jennifer Connelly is released 36 years after the original film

Events After

  1. A magnitude 7.6 earthquake strikes Japan's western coast, killing an estimated 120 people and injuring more than 100

    A magnitude 7.6 earthquake strikes Japan's western coast, killing an estimated 120 people and injuring more than 100

  2. English singer Elton John wins an Emmy Award for the television special "Elton John: Farewell From Dodger Stadium", comp

    English singer Elton John wins an Emmy Award for the television special "Elton John: Farewell From Dodger Stadium", completing his EGOT (winning all four major American entertainment awards)

  3. Denis Villeneuve's science fiction film epic "Dune: Part Two" premieres in Mexico City, starring Timothée Chalamet and a

    Denis Villeneuve's science fiction film epic "Dune: Part Two" premieres in Mexico City, starring Timothée Chalamet and an ensemble cast

  4. LeBron James becomes the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 regular-season points as his LA Lakers slip to a 12

    LeBron James becomes the first player in NBA history to score 40,000 regular-season points as his LA Lakers slip to a 124-114 defeat to Denver Nuggets in Los Angeles

  5. New rule limiting tailpipe pollution aimed at greatly expanding electric vehicles in the US is announced by President Jo

    New rule limiting tailpipe pollution aimed at greatly expanding electric vehicles in the US is announced by President Joe Biden [1]

More from the 2020s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on April 15, 2023?
Nuclear power was used in Germany from the 1960s until it was fully phased out in April 2023. German nuclear power began with research reactors in the 1950s and 1960s, with the first commercial plant coming online in 1969. By 1990, nuclear power accounted for about a quarter of the electricity produced in the country.
Why is Germany ends its use of nuclear power, closing its last three nuclear power p... significant?
Nuclear power was used in Germany from the 1960s until it was fully phased out in April 2023.

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