Chancellor Olaf Scholz has instructed ministers to prepare to extend the operation of Germany's remaining three nuclear power plants until mid-April to prevent a possible energy crisis.

Scholz announced his decision in a letter to the cabinet, the AP reported.

The move contradicts the position of two coalition partners who have been involved in a bitter debate on the issue.

Economy Minister Robert Habeck of the Green Party argued that only two of the nuclear power plants should continue to operate after their scheduled closure on December 31.