Germany's new center-right government led by Chancellor Angela Merkel has suggested extending the operational life of Germany's nuclear power plants, which were scheduled to be phased out by 2020.

Environmentalists have criticized the plans, pointing to the lack of safe nuclear disposal options and the precarious condition of some of Germany's nuclear power sites.

The new coalition has countered that nuclear energy could be used as a "bridge" technology to help the country meet its pledge of reducing it carbon dioxide (CO2) output by up to 40 percent over 1990 levels by 2020.

Although the new government intends to keep greenhouse gas reduction aims, environmentalists are worried that the new government may slash renewable energy subsidies, as discussed in coalition negotiations.

The coalition, for its part, has said it wants to increase use of renewable energy and make it more competitive. However, it also said it supports the construction of modern, energy-efficient coal-powered stations, which emit CO2.

Some of the following articles offer a closer glimpse at the new coalition government's energy plans and environmentalists' concerns.