Germany Extends Gorleben Nuclear Waste Site for 20 More Years Amid Safety Concerns

Germany’s Gorleben nuclear waste storage facility will operate for another 20 years beyond its current licence. The decision comes as the search for a permanent repository drags on past the 2031 legal deadline. Environmental groups have already raised concerns about the extension. The Gorleben site was constructed between 1982 and 1983. Its walls and ceilings are thinner than those of newer interim storage facilities. It currently holds 113 CASTOR casks filled with high-level radioactive waste.

The Nuclear Waste Management Company (BGZ) supports the extension, citing safety checks. Spokesperson Tristan Zielinski confirmed that regular verification will continue under the new timeline. The Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management will handle the approval process.

The Citizens’ Initiative for Environmental Protection Lüneburg-Dannenberg (BI) has warned about long-term risks. Activists argue the older design may not guarantee security for another two decades. The current licence was set to expire in 2034 after 40 years of use. With the extension, Gorleben will remain in operation until at least 2054. The delay in finding a permanent solution means the facility will continue to store waste for the foreseeable future.