Germany closed a series of nuclear power plants

7 nuclear power plants in Germany were shut down during the government's review of its nuclear energy strategy.

Nuclear power plant in Germany.Photo: wn.com

German Prime Minister Angele Merkek announced that all nuclear power plants operating before 1980 will be shut down and safety checks will be carried out at other plants, the BBC reported.

The German government's decision comes amid growing public concern about the risk of radioactive leaks at Japan's Fukushima I (Dai-ichi) nuclear power plant.

" Safety is our top priority ," Merkel stressed.

Test results on the safety level of nuclear reactors must be submitted to the government before June 15.

Nuclear power plants meet more than 25% of Germany's electricity demand. Last year Berlin decided to extend the life of 17 nuclear power plants for another 12 years. But on March 14, the government agreed to suspend the decision for three months.

The Swiss government also suspended all decisions related to the nuclear power program, and the European Union (EU) agreed to check the safety of all nuclear power plants in Europe.

" We want to understand the risks and safety issues of nuclear power plants after worrisome events in Japan ," said Guenther Oettinger, EU Energy Commissioner.