Germany can recommission up to six of its shut-down commercial nuclear power plants, but needs to “make the right decision now” because the sooner the decision is made, the less money it will cost, the nuclear industry group KernD has said.

In a position paper, Berlin-based KernD called for the dismantling of Germany’s nuclear plants to end “immediately” and said between €1bn and €3bn ($1.08bn and $3.2bn) in investment will be needed per nuclear power plant restart, depending on the dismantling status.

“Now it is up to the new federal government to clear the way for a secure, affordable and sustainable electricity supply,” the group said.

It said the continued operation of German nuclear power plants offers a safe, economically viable and climate-friendly alternative to current energy policy.