Germany will shut down all its nuclear power plants by 2022, becoming the first major industrial power to give up atomic power and rely entirely on other sources of energy. The decision, announced by Environment Minister Norbert Roettgen today, came after a meeting of leaders of the ruling coalition headed by Chancellor Angela Merkel. The meeting agreed on a plan to shut down most of Germany's 17 nuclear power stations by 2021, but leave three open for another year in case energy shortages develop. Environmentalists, including the Green Party wanted earlier closures, but business supporters had urged caution, warning that power shortages could cripple industry.