A new analysis by the pro-nuclear consultancy Radiant Energy Group argues that Germany could bring several decommissioned nuclear power plants back online much faster than assumed by many politicians.
According to the study, the first reactors could potentially restart as early as 2031 — roughly four to five years from now.
The consultancy’s report, updated in 2025, argues that there are no fundamental technical barriers to reactivation.
According to the study, the Brokdorf reactor could potentially resume operations as early as the end of 2025 if decommissioning is halted immediately and staff rehiring begins.
Emsland and Grohnde could follow by the end of 2028 with swift legislative changes.
In total, the authors assess that a significant portion of Germany’s recently shut-down fleet — representing up to 18.5 GW — could be brought back online progressively through the early 2030s.
They classify reactors into different restart categories based on how far decommissioning has progressed, noting that Class 1 and 2 plants (those with limited dismantling) are the most feasible to return to service.
NEW GERMANY RESTART REPORT: Restarting up to 18.7 gigawatts of Germany’s nuclear fleet is technically feasible, cost-effective, and supported by a majority of Germans.
Germany has an untapped energy resource at a scale matched nowhere else in the West. Per capita, the nuclear… pic.twitter.com/HnEmKoHOx8
— Madi Hilly (@MadiHilly) June 29, 2026
Restart costs are estimated to be substantially lower than building new reactors.
Class 1 reactors could be restarted for well under €1 billion each, while Class 2 plants would require between €1 billion and €3 billion.
The study contrasts this with the much higher costs and longer timelines of new-build projects.
It also highlights the economic potential: Restarted reactors operating at market prices around €100/MWh could generate tens of billions in revenue over two decades while providing low-cost, available power.
“Germany’s reactors were designed to be durable , easily-accessible for maintenance, and accommodating of large component replacement”, the report noted.
“Thus, every major component of German reactors undergoing decommissioning can be repaired, overhauled, or replaced. No major technical barriers prevent these reactors from being restarted.”
Germany permanently shut down its last three nuclear reactors in April 2023 as part of the long-planned nuclear phase-out.
This has left the country more dependent on energy imports.
In the years following the phase-out, Germany switched from being a net electricity exporter to a net importer.
A significant portion of these imports has come from France’s nuclear fleet, effectively meaning German consumers are now paying for nuclear power generated abroad rather than at home.
The closure also contributed to higher reliance on coal and gas in periods of low renewable output, increasing both emissions and costs.
Studies have estimated the annual economic and health costs of the phase-out in the billions of euros, largely due to increased air pollution from fossil fuel backup generation.
Prices for energy in Germany are amongst the highest in the industrialised world.
Critics argue that the policy has weakened industrial competitiveness and energy security without delivering the expected benefits in terms of affordability or reliability.
The ongoing European heatwave provides a clear illustration of the challenges. A persistent high-pressure system — a classic heat dome — has brought very low wind speeds across large parts of Germany at a time when electricity demand for cooling is elevated.
This combination has reduced wind power output precisely when it is most needed, forcing greater reliance on other sources or imports.
The study recommends an immediate moratorium on further decommissioning and changes to the Atomic Energy Act to make reactivation legally possible.
The findings have been welcomed by critics of the phase-out.
AfD co-leader Alice Weidel highlighted the report on social media, arguing that only her party would seriously pursue a return to nuclear power.
CDU politician Jens Spahn has previously stated that restarting existing plants would require less effort than building new ones abroad.
A group of former senior managers and technical heads of Germany’s nuclear power plants have written an open letter to Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Economy Minister Katherina Reiche and Union parliamentary group leader Jens Spahn calling for the reactivation of the country’s…
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) June 25, 2026
