BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The search for a final repository for highly radioactive nuclear waste in Germany could take more than 40 years longer than originally planned, according to a report by the Freiburg-based Öko-Institut. Deutschlandfunk radio first reported on the paper commissioned by the Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management (BASE). Under ideal conditions, a decision on the location could be expected in 2074 at the earliest, according to the paper.

Ministry: Delay not new

The Federal Ministry for the Environment announced in Berlin that the search for a final storage site is a "science-based, transparent and learning process, the requirements of which are geared towards finding the site that guarantees the best possible safety for a period of one million years". It has been known for some time that this process cannot be completed by 2031.

According to Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke, the report does not reflect the latest progress. "This study has not been able to incorporate all the latest information and facts because we have seen dynamic developments in recent months," the Green politician told ARD. "For me, the petitum remains that we must find a final repository as quickly as possible that is as safe as possible - for us and also for future generations."

In November 2022, the ministry announced that the original timeline of 2031 could not be met. Shortly afterwards, documents from the Federal Company for Final Disposal (BGE) became public, according to which the search could extend until 2046 or, in another scenario, even until 2068. A ministry spokesperson did not want to comment on specific time frames when asked.

The search for a final repository is about finding a place deep underground for the permanent storage of 27,000 cubic meters of highly radioactive waste (1,750 so-called Castor containers) from more than 60 years of nuclear power in Germany. According to BASE, this is five percent of the radioactive waste in Germany, but it contains around 99 percent of the total radioactivity of all waste. The waste is currently stored in 16 above-ground interim storage facilities in various federal states.

Complicated search

The search is complicated. Nobody wants to have a repository anywhere near them and a site has to be found that is safe for a million years. A multi-stage, long-term search procedure with public participation was therefore laid down in a site selection law.

According to BASE, this is based on a "white map" that includes all federal states. In addition to the rock strata, the search also takes into account the risk of earthquakes. The law stipulates that a decision on the location should be made by 2031. The final repository should be in operation from 2050./jr/DP/zb