Germany’s use of nuclear power to generate electricity will come to a temporary end on April 15, 2023. While opponents view this as a small victory, the end of nuclear power in Germany does not mean the topic is fully discussed. The issue of safe storage of nuclear waste generated by nuclear power plants remains unresolved.
The phase-out of nuclear power generation has been settled in terms of realpolitik, but some politicians continue to develop possible nuclear power scenarios. Nuclear power does not fit well into the current energy mix, and the remaining nuclear power has forced wind turbines to stand still.
The question remains as to what to do with the nuclear waste. German politicians have not yet clarified where the waste can be safely stored, and a repository is required to be built by 2050. However, the rubbish is currently stored in interim storage facilities and is hardly ever in the news.
A country that fails to address questions of responsibility and follow-up care seems too immature to continue to consider the use of a technology that can have far-reaching consequences for people and nature. Those who cannot build a safe repository should make do with significantly less risky technologies.
Overall, while the end of nuclear power in Germany may be a small victory, the safe storage of nuclear waste must be addressed before any future discussions on nuclear power can take place.
