When power changed hands in the autumn of 1998, the discussion about renouncing nuclear energy was rekindled. In this research project, apart from looking at the legal framework for abandoning nuclear energy, we will examine the possible economic and emission-related effects a decision to stop exploiting nuclear power could have. A dynamic economic model backed up by energy technology will be used for a quantitative study of opting-out scenarios. Finally, on a qualitative scale we will produce a list of criteria with which we will critically examine the role of nuclear power in a medium- to long-term energy concept.