The pebble bed reactor developed in Germany is regarded by the anti-nuclear scene as a prime example of an irresponsible energy project that has failed forever. In China, the view is different. There it was replicated, tested, further developed and put into operation. The main reason - both in Germany and in China - was its unusual safety features. However, this type of reactor still has a flaw.

by  Udo Pollmer July 11, 2024

When the wailing, and gnashing of teeth after the collapse of the hydrogen economy is over and reconstruction begins, solid energy technology will be in demand. One type of reactor with a future is the pebble bed reactor. In a way, it is the link between the old light water reactors and the new fast breeder reactors. However, our eco-nuclear experts had already confirmed its final demise: The decommissioned pebble bed reactor in North Rhine-Westphalia is "a symbol of failure for eternity"!¹

As if in defiance, a similar reactor went online in China in Shidaowan on...

by  Udo Pollmer June 18, 2024

Now that Germany has decided to end its nuclear power industry, it can preserve all its radioactive nuclear waste for future generations because no plants are allowed to be operated to dispose of it. Now a new energy source must also be found. The pig that is now being herded through the media villages is called hydrogen. The German government wants...

by  Udo Pollmer June 18, 2024

Our nuclear power plants have now been shut down - but their nuclear waste is still there. And it continues to grow: coal-fired power plants are the biggest emitters of radioactive substances, all the more so as they are still being built in large numbers worldwide.¹ This means that it...

The energy consumption of the agricultural and food industry is not very high compared to other sectors. But without a reliable energy supply, there is nothing left to eat, especially in urban regions, regardless of whether the energy is needed to produce fertiliser, process grain, cool fish and fruit or for distribution. Without energy for agriculture and the food industry, people are starving. Udo Pollmer lets a breath of fresh air whistle through the media fog on energy policy.

by  Udo Pollmer May 30, 2024

We need smart solutions. For example, for the energy required to produce and prepare food. Due to our digestive tract, we humans can...

At Christmas, wafts of incense and the glow of candles tantalise the senses and warm the hearts of the faithful. But the white, balsamic scent that emanates from the incense burners is also capable of clouding our view of reality. Udo Pollmer analyses the chemistry of the festivities and shows how the clergy, with the help of willing pharmacists, make fools of their sheep.

by  Udo Pollmer Dec 2023, Update of Bon appetit, Dec 18, 2011 by  Udo Pollmer

Smoking is finally allowed again: At Christmas, the rustic smokers from the Erzgebirge let their fumes drift through the parlours. Smoking bans have so far only applied to  real people but not yet to  the small wooden incense figurines. Catholic churches are also exempt. There, the ancient...