Focus on Kleinensiel: Millions invested for safe interim storage!

Focus on Kleinensiel: Millions invested for safe interim storage!

A lot is happening in Kleinensiel: The federally owned company for interim storage (BGZ) has big plans for the operation of its three interim storage facilities, in which spent fuel and radioactive waste are managed. Loud North24 BGZ is investing heavily to guarantee safe storage even after the dismantling of the decommissioned Unterweser nuclear power plant (KKU). The dismantling began in 2011 and continues to this day. The long-term goal is to safely store fuel rods until at least 2047 and perhaps even 2074.

The BGZ currently employs 35 people, but the number of employees is expected to grow to up to 45. In a conversation with the Stadland local council, deputy interim storage manager Stephan Thode and press spokesman Jonas Wingert explained a series of technical adjustments that are necessary to ensure the independence of the interim storage facilities from the power plant. This includes, among other things, the installation of new fire alarm and security systems as well as the expansion of storage capacities.

New guard and function building

A project worth 36 million euros is the construction of a new security and functional building, which is scheduled to be completed in 2027. With an area of ​​5,000 square meters, it will include workshops, a vehicle hall and a separate entrance. The planning also takes into account the most modern energy concepts: renewable energy from a photovoltaic system and a geothermal heat pump is used to supply the new building. This shows that the BGZ not only thinks about safety, but also about sustainability NWZonline reported.

A challenge that should not go unmentioned are critics' concerns about dike safety. However, the BGZ rejects these concerns as unfounded. Despite the counterarguments, it is important to remain in the discussion about safety and dialogue with the public in order to build a relationship of trust.

Transparency and responsibility

In Germany, according to the Transparency Act, operators of nuclear power plants must make annual provisions for the decommissioning and dismantling of radioactive waste and report them to the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). It must be clearly stated what resources are currently available to fulfill the various obligations. BAFA ensures that this information is regularly checked and incorporated into the annual report to the German Bundestag.

A fundamental challenge is the search for a final storage facility for the radioactive waste, which drags on over the years. The dismantling of the KKU and the ongoing BGZ projects are therefore of utmost importance. This not only strengthens the local infrastructure, but also assumes part of the national responsibility for dealing with nuclear energy and its residues.