What explains the difference in nuclear energy policies? A comparison between France and Germany

The debate persists over whether nuclear energy can support global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy systems. Different types of nuclear energy could still play an essential role during this transition. Some argue that investing in nuclear power comes with an opportunity cost for advancing renewable energy technologies. Concerns about nuclear waste remain unresolved. These debates and uncertainties surrounding the technology partly reflect the differences among the world's major economic superpowers, especially the two major EU countries: France and Germany. France continues to rely heavily on nuclear energy, whereas Germany has officially ceased using nuclear power for civilian energy purposes. This study aims to explain differences in policy outcomes by applying McAdam's theory of the political opportunity structure. Additionally, we develop a new theoretical framework that builds on this theory by incorporating two variables: public opinion and renewable energy capacity. Our findings show that although the political opportunity structure still has strong explanatory power, the different policy choices in these countries also relate to (1) public opinion that has driven social protests and parliamentary debates, and (2) the availability of alternative renewable energy sources as substitutes for nuclear power.