Majority of Germans Support Search for Nuclear Waste Repository

Nearly two years after Germany's exit from nuclear energy, a recent survey indicates strong public backing for the search for a nuclear waste repository. Approximately 70% of respondents expressed support for the ongoing process, while only 19% opposed it. The survey also revealed that over two-thirds of those who favor nuclear power are in favor of the search for a long-term storage solution.

The representative survey, conducted every two years for the Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management (BASE), will have its findings published next week. Among supporters of the nuclear phase-out, 75% favor the search for a repository, while 69% of opponents also show considerable support. This reflects a significant consensus across the political spectrum regarding the need for a safe disposal method for around 27,000 cubic meters of nuclear waste generated over six decades of nuclear energy use.

Christian Kühn, the president of BASE, interpreted the survey results as a positive indication for the ongoing search process, which has faced scrutiny, particularly during recent political campaigns. Notably, CSU leader Markus Söder called for a reassessment of the process, citing advancements in the U.S. related to reactor designs that emphasize high reusability of fuel rods.

The 2013 decision by the German Bundestag to restart the search for a repository for high-level radioactive waste initiated a nationwide effort to identify suitable regions for long-term storage. The goal is to establish a safe site by 2050, where the hazardous waste can be securely stored underground for up to one million years.

According to Kühn, the survey illustrates a clear majority of the German populace supports the repository search. He noted that the political agreement leading to the scientific and nationwide search remains well-supported by the public. Moreover, there has been a notable increase in the number of people advocating for public involvement in the search process, rising from around 50% in 2020 to approximately 65% in the latest survey.

Interestingly, the willingness to accept a local site for exploration, if selected, appears to be evenly split among the population. Men showed a higher readiness to accept such decisions (48%) compared to women (34%).

Regarding the timeframe of the search, the survey highlighted that public acceptance hinges not only on safety but also on the duration of the process. An acceleration in the search for a repository is seen as essential to maintaining long-term support. While 68% of respondents prioritized safety as the main criterion in the search process, transparency (12%), public involvement (7%), and duration and costs (both 4%) were also significant considerations.

When asked about timelines, 40% of participants supported an open-ended search, while 34% preferred a successful resolution by 2031. Additionally, 13% set a target for 2040, 3% for 2050, and 1% would accept a timeframe extending to 2060.