"There is still no authorised final repository anywhere in the world for the unavoidable highly radioactive nuclear waste arising from the operation of nuclear power plants. That is why it would be irresponsible to allow German NPPs to continue running beyond the deadline laid down in the Atomic Energy Act", Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel said today. He was viewing a mobile exhibition in Berlin organised by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS), aimed at informing the public on the final disposal of radioactive wastes.
"Regardless of where you stand on nuclear power, there is no doubt in my mind that we have a moral duty to find a safe final repository for highly radioactive nuclear waste in Germany. Simply exporting the legacies of the nuclear industry to other countries, which may have less stringent safety standards, is not an option.
In the search for a final repository for nuclear waste, safety of the population and nature must have top priority. We do not need just any site, we need the most suitable site - and that can only be found with an unbiased and transparent search procedure. In autumn 2006, I presented a concept on the search for a site in Germany, entitled taking responsibility, achieving consensus on a final repository ("Verantwortung übernehmen, den Endlagerkonsens realisieren"). This concept, which corresponds to the latest status of the scientific debate, draws on the experiences of countries such as Switzerland and Sweden and ensures optimum participation of the local population. I very much regret that some sections of the Grand Coalition were lacking the courage to agree to this procedure", said Gabriel.