Search for a repository site

The search for the repository site with the best possible safety is a task that society can only solve in a common approach.

Stakeholders and their tasks

A large number of stakeholders are involved in the search for a repository site for high-level radioactive waste. The following page outlines the most important ones.

The course of the search

All the German states and regions are involved in the search. Areas are being explored to see whether they are suitable during different phases of the search. Regions are excluded, assessed and compared until the best possible location for a disposal site remains at the end.

Funding

The polluters of radioactive waste, i.e. the operators of the nuclear power plants, have provided around 24 billion euros for the safekeeping of the legacies of the nuclear age. The amount was transferred to a public-law fund in July 2017.

Protection of possible sites

Regulations on dealing with mining projects, for example, for the extraction of raw materials or projects under water law, such as the use of geothermal energy within the framework of the Site Selection Act

Knowledge preservation and long-term documentation

Long-term documentation is pivotal in preserving information and knowledge about repositories over a long period of time.