German Government expected to increase renewables budget amid nuclear fears

After last week closing seven nuclear plants for at least three months the German Government is now said to be discussing plans to raise the size of its renewable energy fund from €300 million to €1 billion. Amid fears of radiation leaks following Japan's nuclear crisis Chancellor Angela Merkel has ordered safety checks on the country’s plants constructed before 1980.

According to a draft paper seen by Reuters on Friday, Merkel and premiers of German states with nuclear power stations will discuss the decision to increase the support for renewable energy on Tuesday March 22^nd. It is expected that any alterations will focus on off-shore wind energy and making buildings more energy efficient.