With Novel Nuclear Technologies Towards a Greenhouse Gas-free Basic Energy Supply | Symposium 13.06.-15.06.2024
The transition to a low-carbon energy future is a major challenge for Germany and the world. The three-day symposium of the TUM Senior Excellence Faculty with 34 international and interdisciplinary experts at the TUM Science and Study Center Raitenhaslach was dedicated to the question how novel nuclear technologies (fusion, fission, transmutation) can provide low-carbon energy for this transition, with a special focus on securing the base-load supply, complementing renewable energy generation, but not replacing it.
Global Trends and the German Approach
Nuclear energy is experiencing a global renaissance as part of strategies to meet climate change targets. Many countries increasingly see nuclear technologies as part of the solution and are integrating nuclear power plants into their energy mix to ensure a secure and low greenhouse-gas-emitting supply, while at the same time promoting research into new nuclear technologies. Germany, on the other hand, has taken a different path with its accelerated phase-out of nuclear power and is focusing entirely on renewables and the import of greenhouse gas-free energy and energy sources, as well as H2-ready gas-fired power plants during a transition period.
Objectives of the TUM Senior Excellence Faculty Symposium
These diverging global and national strategies raise important questions, especially with regard to security of supply, compliance with climate protection targets, economic competitiveness and public acceptance. In view of the sharp increase in electricity imports and the delays in the planned expansion of renewable energies, it has become necessary to critically reflect on energy policy, to look for solutions that are open to technology and to re-evaluate the potential of innovative nuclear energy use. In view of the long timescales for the development and implementation of new technologies and the continuing strong growth in energy demand, especially for electricity, it is urgently necessary to set the course now for the period after 2045.
In this context, the symposium provided a very welcome platform for a broad discussion on the future role of nuclear energy. Innovative nuclear technologies (new approaches to fission, transmutation, fusion) were discussed from a scientific and technical perspective, as well as their possible role in hydrogen production, process heat and their suitability for base-load electricity supply. The international and interdisciplinary exchange of ideas between experts from science and industry helped to develop perspectives for a re-evaluation of nuclear energy in Germany and to formulate objective recommendations for energy policy.
The symposium was held under the patronage of Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann.
Videomessage from Dr. Florian Herrmann, Minister of State, on the NNT-Symposium (englisch)
Policy Recommendations | Broschure
From left to right: Kornelia Kneissl, Prof. Stephan Paul, Dr. Christian Reiter, Prof. Winfried Petry
In a joint final discussion of the symposium, ten concrete recommendations for action were formulated, which were then supplemented with explanations and handed over to the Bavarian Minister of State, Dr. Florian Herrmann. This was followed by an open exchange with politicians in which the recommendations were discussed in terms of their political and economic feasibility. The Minister of State thanked all participants for their commitment and work. The dialogue will continue on a working level for the time being.
The ten recommendations, with explanations, will soon be part of a white paper on the subject to be published by TUM.University Press.
Download the Broschure | 10 Redommendations with Explanations (1,4 MB)
The interdisciplinary group of "Emeriti of Excellence" forms the TUM Senior Excellence Faculty. Its members look back on many years of research, teaching and organizational activities. With their leading position in science, their special commitment beyond their own discipline and their excellent networking in society, this group combines a wide range of professional, social and societal experience.
In their independent position as "Emeriti of Excellence", the members of the Senior Excellence Faculty see themselves as a source of inspiration. They take up pressing questions and central themes of the university and society and try to translate them into ideas and initiatives. The aim of the Emeriti of Excellence is to act as bridge builders and catalysts for discussion and to network the various institutions of the university and society in a targeted manner.
Dr. Birgit Herbst-Gaebel
Science Manager
TUM Senior Excellence Faculty
Technical University of Munich
Presidential Staff
Arcisstraße 21
80333 Munich
Tel: 089 289 22092
E-Mail: herbst-gaebel(at)tum.de