Mathias Miedreich, the CEO of the automotive supplier ZF, is advocating for Germany’s return to nuclear power. He views nuclear energy as a solution to the country’s high energy costs and a vital way to secure the industrial location of Germany.
When speaking to the news portal Politico, Miedreich confirmed his openness to restarting involvement in nuclear energy. He clarified that the concept of nuclear power he promotes differs significantly from the large-scale reactors built in the 1960s and 70s.
Specifically, Miedreich highlighted advancements in small, modular reactors (SMRs). He views these small power plants as a potential solution for industrial complexes. He pointed out numerous examples in the United States where these miniature power sources are situated in industrial parks, providing crucial CO2-free energy, particularly in the chemical and oil industries.
Furthermore, Miedreich called for a less “dogmatic” approach in energy policy. He argued that there is no reason why nuclear energy shouldn’t be re-evaluated based on current data and facts, noting that many successful global examples already demonstrate this viability.
The core motivation behind his demanding position is the high cost of energy, which he identifies as a central issue threatening Germany’s industrial future. He stressed that while adopting new technologies like AI and robotics is important, the government must also provide supportive industrial policy and favorable structural conditions to address the energy crisis.