Chancellor Angela Merkel's government says Germany will replace its reliance on nuclear power by increasing renewable energy sources after Japan's Fukushima disaster.
Merkel told reporters that a bill on the overhaul of the energy sector would go before parliament by mid-June. The plan foresees an expansion of the electric grid, investment in renewable energy sources and increased efficiency.
A stinging loss in a regional election to the pro-renewable Greens party and calls from utilities companies to abolish nuclear power after the catastrophe at Japan's Fukushima Dai-ichi plant forced Merkel's government to ditch a plan to extend reliance on nuclear reactors.
Merkel met Friday with key ministers and governors to discuss the issue.
