Thuringia Narrows Down Potential Sites for Nuclear Waste Repository

Initial Survey Identifies Three Suitable Locations

After an extensive initial survey, the Thuringian State Office for Geology and Mining (TLUG) has identified three potential sites for a nuclear waste repository in the state.

The announcement follows a years-long search for a suitable location to store radioactive waste from Germany's nuclear power plants.

Criteria for Site Selection

The TLUG evaluated several factors when selecting the potential sites, including:

• Geological stability
• Absence of major fault lines
• Adequate depth for safe storage
• Distance from population centers
• Public acceptance

Three Potential Sites

The three potential sites identified by the TLUG are located in the districts of Nordhausen, Sonneberg, and Greiz.

Nordhausen is home to the Asse II nuclear waste repository, which has been the subject of safety concerns in recent years.

Sonneberg and Greiz are both located in rural areas with relatively low population densities.

Next Steps

The TLUG will now conduct further investigations at the three potential sites to determine their suitability for a nuclear waste repository.

This will include drilling boreholes, conducting geological surveys, and assessing the potential environmental impact.

The final decision on the location of the nuclear waste repository is expected to be made by the German government in 2031.

Public Involvement

The TLUG has emphasized the importance of public involvement in the site selection process.

Public hearings and information events will be held in the affected communities to ensure that residents have a say in the decision-making process.

The TLUG has also established an advisory board to provide input on the site selection process and to represent the interests of the public.