This plan ends discussions that have divided Germany's governing Christian Democratic Union, since May.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said at a news conference Monday that the nuclear power will be used as a "bridge energy source" to reduce CO2 exhaust in the country until Germany can switch to renewable energy sources.
A draft of the new extension plan still has to pass through Germany's opposition before it becomes law.
Merkel said she is confident that the plan conforms to the German Constituion and added, "I am in good spirits that it would stand up against potential lawsuits."
