Internal documents: Repository search could take decades

The Ministry of the Environment has already announced that the search for a nuclear waste repository will take longer than 2031.

Internal documents: Repository search could take decades

The Ministry of the Environment has already announced that the search for a nuclear waste repository will take longer than 2031. According to a media report, the decision-making process could take until 2046. And this would be the better of the two "exemplary scenarios".

According to a media report, the search for a repository for German nuclear waste could last until 2046. As the "Süddeutsche Zeitung" reported, citing an internal document from the Federal Agency for Disposal (BGE), two "exemplary scenarios" are being examined for the selection. According to the report, in the faster scenario it could be clear by 2046 where the nuclear waste should be stored. In the other, the preparatory work will take until 2068.

The Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV) had previously announced that the search for a repository would be delayed beyond the target date of 2031. Regarding the SZ report, the ministry explained that it had asked the BGE to submit a schedule that transparently prepared the procedural steps.

"The assumptions and scenarios presented in the BGE discussion paper are now being examined in the BMUV and then discussed with the BGE and the Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management, which is the supervisory authority for the site selection process. In addition to validity, the potential for acceleration is also an issue be subject to critical scrutiny." Of course, the public will also be involved and the topic will be discussed in particular with the National Monitoring Committee (NBG).