Nuclear Power in Germany and France

This article explores differences in the development of nuclear energy programs in France and Germany. Despite many similarities in natural resource availability and energy consumption, France and Germany differ significantly in their approaches to nuclear power. France treats nuclear energy as a primary power source; Germany relies much more on coal and other fossil fuels. This article argues that the difference in energy programs is best explained by differences in political opportunity structure and especially different institutional structures in the two countries. French views on nationalism and technology also have contributed to the higher use of nuclear power in that country.