Germany evaluates regions for high-level nuclear waste repository

The Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung (BGE) is set to present a nationwide assessment of potential sites for a high-level nuclear waste repository. This upcoming report aims to provide the first comprehensive evaluation of all German regions regarding their suitability for long-term radioactive waste storage.

In Baden-Württemberg, several large areas remain under consideration, including the northern and southern Black Forest, the Ulm region including parts of the Swabian Jura, and the Kurpfalz area near Heidelberg. Other potential zones stretch between Lautenbach and Bad Wildbad, as well as from Alpirsbach to the southern Black Forest. Other parts of the state have been deemed geologically unsuitable.

Germany has been searching for a site since 2017 to safely contain approximately 27,000 cubic meters of high-level radioactive waste produced over 60 years of nuclear power use. The repository must ensure containment for one million years. Selection is based on geological stability and low water permeability, with only salt, clay, or crystalline rock such as granite being permitted under the Site Selection Act.