German town bids farewell to nuclear

For 35 years the Emsland nuclear power plant near Lingen reliably provided millions of homes with electricity and well-paid jobs in what was once an agricultural backwater of north-western Germany. On Saturday it is set to close, alongside the country's other two remaining commercial reactors as part of Germany's long-planned transition from nuclear power and fossil fuels to renewable energy.

The closureis seen with relief by Germans who have campaigned against nuclear power.Critics have warned that without nuclear power, Germany will have to rely on dirty coal and gas plants for energy during periods of overcast but calm weather.The government has dismissed such concerns, arguing that thanks to Europe's integrated electricity network Germany can import energy when needed while remaining a net exporter.