The aim of this master thesis is to explain Germany’s decision to phase out its nuclear power plants by 2022 and move from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. As the decision to phase out is rather unique among the industrialized and most advanced nations, the paper is set out to analyze the reasons for the peculiarity and assumes that the long-lasting societal debate on the topic of nuclear technology has gradually influenced the decision-making process. The hypothesis is based on the observation that the decision to phase out had been taken shortly after the nuclear accident in the Japanese atomic power plant Fukushima which caused large-scale criticism against the previous energy policies of the government. The analysis uses a historical approach and applies an analytical framework which incorporates the most important stakeholders of the decision-making process. The analytical framework centers on Kingdon’s multiple streams model and further takes into account theories and models explaining the working and behavior of politicians and parties, the media, the public and pressure groups which all have an impact on the policy-making process. Thereby, the paper is able to depict the development of the societal debate and to assess its impact on nuclear policy decisions of the past and present. Moreover, the paper elaborates on the question how Germany’s decision to transform its energy production is put into practice. Here, a review of the policies establishing the energy transition is used in order to explain the most important provisions and problems that already have been encountered. Additionally, proposed policy changes are presented that might be implemented in the future in order to solve the problems.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- List of abbreviations
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Analytical framework
- 2.1. Kingdon's multiple streams model
- 2.2. Rational choice theory
- 2.3. The role of the media
- 2.4. Putting it all together: the analytical framework
- 3. Historical analysis
- 3.1. 1955-1967: The speculative phase
- 3.2. 1967 - 1975: The breakthrough phase
- 3.3. 1975-1986: The stagnation phase
- 3.4. 1986-1998: The decline phase
- 3.5. 1998-2009: The political decline phase
- 3.6. 2009-2011: The revival phase
- 3.7. 2011 onwards: The final phase
- 4. Germany's new energy program
- 4.1. The policies of the energy program
- 4.2. Progress and problems of the new energy program
- 5. Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This master thesis explores the reasons behind Germany's decision to phase out its nuclear power plants by 2022 and transition to renewable energy sources. It delves into the long-standing societal debate surrounding nuclear technology and its impact on policy-making. The thesis focuses on the influence of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident on the decision to phase out nuclear energy, analyzing the historical development of the societal conflict and its impact on past and present nuclear policies. The key themes explored in this work are:- The influence of societal debates on nuclear policy-making
- The role of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in accelerating the phase-out decision
- The analysis of the historical development of the nuclear debate in Germany
- The implementation of Germany's energy transition program and its challenges
- The examination of various theoretical frameworks, including Kingdon's multiple streams model and rational choice theory, to understand the complex dynamics of policy-making.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Chapter 1: Introduction: This chapter introduces the context of Germany's decision to phase out nuclear power, highlighting the significance of this event within the broader context of energy production and societal debate. It emphasizes the long-lasting conflict surrounding the usage of nuclear energy in Germany and its impact on the decision-making process.
- Chapter 2: Analytical framework: This chapter delves into the theoretical foundation of the analysis, presenting Kingdon's multiple streams model as a core analytical framework. It also incorporates rational choice theory and examines the role of the media in shaping public opinion and influencing policy-making.
- Chapter 3: Historical analysis: This chapter provides a detailed historical analysis of the nuclear debate in Germany, spanning from the speculative phase (1955-1967) to the final phase (2011 onwards). It examines different periods and their respective political and societal contexts, analyzing the factors that influenced the development of the debate and the emergence of opposing viewpoints.
- Chapter 4: Germany's new energy program: This chapter examines the policies implemented by the German government to transition to renewable energy sources. It discusses the key provisions of the new energy program and the progress made towards achieving its goals, while also acknowledging the challenges and problems encountered in its implementation.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This thesis explores the complex interplay between societal conflict, policy-making, and historical development in the context of Germany's nuclear phase-out decision. It examines the influence of events like the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident on the decision-making process and analyzes the evolution of the nuclear debate in Germany. The main focus lies on understanding the dynamics of policy-making through theoretical frameworks like Kingdon's multiple streams model and the role of key stakeholders, including politicians, parties, the media, the public, and pressure groups. The text examines the implementation of Germany's new energy program, the Energiewende, and its impact on the transition to renewable energy sources.- Quote paper
- Tobias Henze (Author), 2012, Nuclear power in Germany - History and future prospects, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/208945
