Final disposal of radioactive waste

Large quantities of radioactive waste are produced by the operation and dismantling of research reactors and, in particular, by the operation and dismantling of nuclear power plants.

The study presents the current situation and legal issues regarding the final disposal of radioactive waste in Germany and identifies the need for action.

The operators of nuclear power plants are responsible for the final disposal of radioactive waste. The polluter-pays principle is specified both in the national Atomic Energy Act and in the European Waste Management Directive. In particular, the waste producers also have a financial responsibility.

Currently, the companies operating nuclear power plants have set aside provisions amounting to 36 billion euros, which, however, do not meet the requirements of the European Waste Management Directive. Besides, there is still no approved nuclear repository for highly radioactive waste or even a final storage site in Germany.

PDF Download of this publication