Dismantling of nuclear power plants: InfoForum for nuclear security in BW!

Dismantling of nuclear power plants: InfoForum for nuclear security in BW!

Neckarwestheim, Deutschland - On May 27, 2025, the seventh info forum "Nuclear Security and Radiation Protection" takes place, to which the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Environment has invited. The event focuses on the current status of the dismantling of nuclear power plants in the state. The dismantling affects all five nuclear power plants that are operated in Baden-Württemberg after Neckarwestheim II left the network in May 2023. EnBW Kernkraft GmbH (EnKK) is the operator of these systems and is responsible for the dismantling.

The forum offers a platform for citizens to find out about the progress in dismantling and monitoring the projects. At the interactive Livestream event, Environment Minister Thekla Walker will take part with representatives of the nuclear supervision and Jörg Michels from Enkk. Participation is only possible after prior registration; The participants will receive a link to the event by email.

progress in dismantling

The dismantling work at the Neckarwestheim, Philippsburg and Obrigheim locations have made significant progress. A few years ago, the EnBW launched a comprehensive dismantling plan, which is considered part of the energy transition. Germany had decided to exit nuclear power in 2011, which resulted in the need to decommission and mining the previous nuclear power plants. EnBW is the only operator in Germany to date, whose entire Nuclear Parking Park is currently in dismantling.

The dismantling of the individual systems takes place in several phases and was approved. The different dismantling times are as follows:

• Obrigheim since 2008
• Neckarwestheim I and Philippsburg 1 since 2017
• Philippsburg 2 since 2020
• Neckarwestheim II since May 2023

A complete dismantling program is approved for all systems, with security having a top priority.

regulating framework conditions

According to the nuclear law, nuclear power plants whose operational authorization has expired must be closed immediately and dismantled. This affects not only nuclear power plants, but also prototype and research reactors as well as systems of nuclear supply and disposal. When decommissioning, the existing radionuclides must be recorded, the deflection order planned and suitable decontamination and dismantling techniques must be determined.

In Germany there are already numerous experiences in the decommissioning of core facilities. Many research reactors and other nuclear -technical facilities have been successfully dismantled, including the demolition of buildings and the recultivation of the plant site. This horizon of experience offers a solid basis for the ongoing dismantling work.

For more information about the dismantling of nuclear power plants in Germany, the website of EnBW here as well as the official information of the Federal Office for the Security of the Nuclear Disposal here. For detailed press information on the InfoForum, interested parties can visit the official website of the Ministry here.