Despite the 2011 decision to phase out nuclear energy, some politicians, including Jens Spahn of the CDU and members of the AfD, advocate for the reactivation of decommissioned nuclear plants. Environmental Minister Carsten Schneider counters that focusing on renewable energy is more pragmatic, emphasizing the lengthy and costly process of constructing new nuclear facilities. Experts suggest that while reactivation of shut-down plants is theoretically possible, it would require substantial investment and time, with current operators indicating that decommissioning processes are largely irreversible.