Saxony-Anhalt: Four new sites for nuclear waste storage discovered!

Saxony-Anhalt: Four new sites for nuclear waste storage discovered!

Germany is currently searching intensively for suitable locations for a nuclear waste repository. In Saxony-Anhalt in particular, several regions are in focus. According to the Federal Society for Final Storage (BGE), four areas have been identified that are suitable for deep geological storage. These include a large area between Halle and Sangerhausen, another area near Bad Bibra and two areas in the Harz district. These regions are characterized by suitable geological conditions that enable safe storage of highly radioactive nuclear waste. Iris Graffunder, the head of BGE, highlights the importance of transparency in this process and has published an interactive map illustrating the suitable areas. This map shows the areas in turquoise that have passed the first two test steps of the safety investigations, thus providing valuable insights into the search for a final repository.

The location of the Querfurter Platte is one of the most promising options. It stretches from Bad Lauchstädt to Allstedt and contains rock salt formations several hundred meters deep. In order to be considered as a potential location, the BGE requires a salt dome thickness of at least 100 meters, including a safety margin of 200 meters. Sangerhausen, on the other hand, is considered unsuitable because the salt dome there is not thick enough. Two promising areas have also emerged in the Harz: between Thale and Harzgerode and in the Upper Harz around the Brocken. These areas are known for their large granite formations that serve as stable host rocks.

The challenge of finding a final repository

But what about the time frame? By 2027, the BGE should propose regional locations for surface exploration. A sustainable final repository must provide long-term security for around a million years; after all, highly radioactive nuclear waste has been stored in Germany for over 60 years from over 16 above-ground interim storage facilities. The search for a final storage facility shows that only a quarter of Germany's land area is suitable for final storage, although many large areas, especially in northern Germany, have not yet been investigated. The political dimension is proving to be particularly challenging, as there is a high level of opposition to a final repository in East Germany, particularly due to the origin of the nuclear waste from West German nuclear power plants.

The Federal Environment Ministers and the BGE have made it clear that the geological data collected forms the basis of the decisions. A draft law to optimize the site selection process is due to be presented at the beginning of next year. Graffunder emphasizes that Germany has high-quality geological formations for final disposal. The challenge remains to select the best locations, as factors such as volcanic activity or earthquake risks must also be excluded.

The path to safe disposal of nuclear waste remains rocky. The challenges are diverse and the search is more complex than many people might think. But with a clear plan and a systematic approach, the big project could perhaps still succeed - so that future generations can live in a safe environment. It has already been established that the geological conditions for final disposal exist daily news reported. This is hopeful news in an emotionally charged debate that is likely to preoccupy society for some time to come.