Sweden Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Ebba Busch stated today that "she's furious with Germany" for dismantling its nuclear power plants, causing a spike in energy prices in Sweden.
Southern Sweden has record-high energy prices today due to having send electricity… pic.twitter.com/2YOvyCHyhz
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) December 12, 2024
Sweden’s Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch voiced frustration over Germany’s decision to dismantle its nuclear power plants, which has driven up energy prices in Sweden, particularly in the southern regions. The cold weather, lack of wind, and the need to send electricity to Germany via undersea cables have created record-high energy prices. In southern Sweden, prices are nearly 200 times higher than in the north, making basic activities, like a 10-minute shower, cost around USD 5 during today’s price spike.
And they are still using nuclear power. Just not their own… pic.twitter.com/DaOO26HpZO
— Rüdiger Klaehn (@klaehnr) December 12, 2024
Busch criticized Germany’s move, stating that while Germany has the right to make its decisions, its actions have negatively impacted the EU’s competitiveness, noting a significant decline in German competitiveness. The decision to dismantle nuclear plants has also hindered Germany’s ability to assist Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The broader consequences of Germany’s energy revamp, costing $1 trillion, are severe: it cannot ensure a stable energy supply, has to import electricity, and causes significantly higher CO2 emissions compared to France. Despite dismantling nuclear plants, Germany still relies on nuclear power, just not from its own facilities. The Eurozone’s manufacturing sector is in crisis, with activity shrinking for 29 consecutive months, the longest streak since the European Debt Crisis of 2011-2012.
Sources:
https://sverigesradio.se/artikel/high-electricity-prices-hit-sweden
https://www.worldenergynews.com/news/nordic-countries-debate-energy-policy-after-spikes-755663
https://www.cleanenergywire.org/factsheets/germanys-greenhouse-gas-emissions-and-climate-targets
https://br.advfn.com/noticias/RTTF2/2024/artigo/95016481
https://tradingeconomics.com/euro-area/manufacturing-pmi
https://www.pmi.spglobal.com/Public/Home/PressRelease/9a41a1c84c4740e5815e4a9ffcba9b70