In its capacity as the public participation body, the Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management (BASE) has devised a concept for public involvement in phase I of the search for a repository site. The document entitled 'On the way to the Regional Conferences' sets out how BASE plans to fulfil its legal information and participation mandate in the coming years.

The consultation processes

BASE will present its participation concept to the public in a digital event on 10 October 2024, thereby initiating a discussion on the proposed measures.

Furthermore, BASE intends to present the participation concept, including a discussion, at the Forum Days on 24 October 2024 and at the Repository Search Forum on 23 November 2024.

In addition, BASE invites all interested parties to submit in writing any questions, suggestions or criticism they may have regarding the measures proposed in the fourth chapter of the concept by 8 December 2024. Please direct any informal enquiries to dialog@base.bund.de. Further information can be found here (in German).

BASE anticipates presenting the finalised participation concept in January 2025. The feedback from the consultation will be incorporated into the subsequent detailed design of the measures. All measures will be subject to continuous evaluation and further development in line with a learning process.

From strategy to concept

The participation concept is based on the "Strategy for the Design of Participation in the Search for a Repository," published by BASE in May 2024 and presented at the public meeting of the National Monitoring Committee on May 17, 2024. The strategy was subsequently discussed with various actors and stakeholders. The suggestions and comments made during the discussions have been incorporated into the development of the participation concept. The concept provides a framework for action, outlining specific measures that support the strategy's objectives.

Aims of BASE as a facilitator of public participation

As the body responsible for public participation, BASE has a key role to play in laying the foundations for a rapid and successful start to the Regional Conferences. This will ensure that they can quickly become operational once the site regions have been proposed by the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE). Furthermore, the other statutory formats are also being prepared. In addition to the Regional Conferences, these include the Council of Regions expert conference, as well as the statement procedure and discussion meetings. The relevant substantive and organisational requirements must now be created and the preparatory work carried out. The participation concept presented by BASE outlines the proposed approach to achieving this.