The article discusses the manufacturing of nuclear fuel rods, specifically those required for Russian WWER reactors, which have unique hexagonal specifications. Currently, most of these fuel elements are sourced from Russia, even amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. However, a potential shift is on the horizon, as Germany's Advanced Nuclear Fuels (ANF), a subsidiary of the French company Framatome, seeks to produce these rods locally in Emsland instead of relying on Russian imports.

ANF's initiative was set in motion shortly after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine; they applied for the necessary licenses to begin production just weeks into the conflict. The company is making progress towards obtaining approval to manufacture the fuel rods locally, which would alleviate some dependency on Russian supplies. However, a significant point of contention arises as ANF plans to enter into a joint venture with Rosatom, raising critical questions regarding reliability and ethics of partnering with a Russian enterprise that is under sanctions and scrutiny due to its role in the conflict.

This partnership is indicative of the intricate balancing act that Germany faces in its energy policies, especially with the backdrop of the energy crisis exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. While transitioning to local production is a strategic move towards energy security, the decision to collaborate with a Russian company may evoke backlash from political stakeholders and the public, who may view such a deal as contradictory to the prevailing sanctions against Russia and its state-run enterprises.