Global Trends and the German Way
Nuclear energy is experiencing a global renaissance as part of strategies to meet climate change targets. Many countries increasingly see nuclear energy as part of the solution and are integrating nuclear power plants into their energy mix to ensure a secure and low-CO2 energy supply. Germany, on the other hand, has taken a different path with its accelerated nuclear phase-out and is focusing entirely on renewables and, in the transition period, on energy imports, CO2-free energy sources and "H2 Ready" gas-fired power plants.
Objectives of the TUM Senior Excellence Faculty Symposium
These diverging global and national strategies raise important questions, especially with regard to security of supply and climate protection goals. It is important to critically reflect on energy policy and to reassess the potential of innovative nuclear energy use. In view of the long development times and the continuously increasing energy demand, it is urgently necessary to set the course for the time after 2050.
Against this background, the symposium will provide a platform for a broad discussion on the role of nuclear energy. Innovative nuclear energy technologies (new approaches to fission, transmutation, fusion), their possible role in hydrogen production and their suitability for base-load electricity supply will be discussed. Through an international and interdisciplinary exchange of experts from science and industry, perspectives for a re-evaluation of nuclear energy in Germany will be developed and objective, evidence-based recommendations for energy policy will be formulated.
Structure of the Symposium | White Paper
The English-language symposium, with approximately 25 international and interdisciplinary experts, will be divided into four thematic working groups. Discussions will take place both within and across the groups:
1. Nuclear Fission and Transmutation
2. Nuclear Fusion
3. New Nuclear for Electricity, Hydrogen and Heat Generation in the Future Energy System
4. Energy Economics and Society
The results will lead to a white paper with clear recommendations for action, which will be published by TUM.University Press.
The symposium is under the patronage of Minister of State Dr. Florian Herrmann.