Health Impacts of Germany's Nuclear Phase-Out

Phasing out nuclear power in Germany has led to an increased reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, which has higher emissions of air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂). These pollutants contribute to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and premature deaths.

Estimating Deaths Due to the Nuclear Phase-Out

A rough estimate can be made using the following approach:

• Increase in Fossil Fuel Usage

• After the 2011 Fukushima disaster, Germany accelerated its phase-out of nuclear power.

• The lost nuclear generation was largely replaced by coal, especially lignite, which is the most polluting form of coal.

• Additional Air Pollution and Health Impact

• Studies estimate that coal-fired power plants cause tens of thousands of premature deaths in Europe each year.

• According to research by the Max Planck Institute (2013), air pollution from German coal plants was responsible for about 3,000 premature deaths per year in Germany alone.

• A 2019 study in Nature Sustainability estimated that the extra coal burning due to Germany’s nuclear phase-out led to 1,100 additional deaths per year from air pollution.

• Total Deaths Over Time

• Since the shutdown of the first nuclear plants in the early 2000s, and especially after 2011, the cumulative excess deaths can be estimated.

• From 2011 to 2023, at an estimated 1,100 excess deaths per year, this results in about 13,000 premature deaths due to increased coal usage.

Conclusion

The decision to phase out nuclear power in Germany likely resulted in at least 10,000–20,000 additional premature deaths over the past two decades, mainly due to increased air pollution from coal plants. This is a rough estimate, but it aligns with studies analyzing the health impacts of energy policies.Would you like references to specific studies or more details on related impacts (e.g., economic costs, CO₂ emissions)?