Germany has phased out nuclear energy. However, the responsibility for spent fuel assemblies and high-level radioactive waste remains. These are currently stored in interim storage facilities. In the long term, they are to be sealed away in a deep geological repository without further material use.
Whether this disposal pathway, established many years ago, should be continued unchanged in light of new technological possibilities and international experience was the subject of the event ‘Solutions to the final disposal dilemma – alternative strategies for the disposal of nuclear fuel’ held on 20 May 2026 in Berlin.
Click here for the summary report.
Final disposal remains necessary – but is part of an overall system
Soufiane Mekki from the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency opened the technical presentations with an international perspective. His key message: the safe management of radioactive waste is technically feasible. However, it requires a long-term, systems-based approach that combines technology, regulation, financing, knowledge management and public participation.
Click here for the presentation..
Germany needs a structured review process
Dr.-Ing. Bernhard Leidinger turned his attention to Germany’s waste management pathway. His proposal is not for a short-term change in waste management strategy, but rather a regularly recurring review process. A four-stage reference programme should first clarify the inventory and assessment criteria, then examine alternative and technological pathways, and finally develop a roadmap with clear decision points. The programme should be politically mandated but organised with technical independence.
Click here for the presentation..
Click here for for the written version of the proposal.
Thanks to our partner organisation 4Pi-Solutions for providing the presentation videos.
